Recovering Part 2

JP with Omni and Lorem

Recovering the blade did nothing helpful for the looks that Voah and Gonyaul received, but she made sure to hold it in their bundle of recovered items and retained a calm, non-threatening demeanor. She hadn’t necessarily been hiding it for the entirety of their journey, especially at times when they had privacy and she could practice her kata. But she wasn’t sure how many of them actually knew she carried the weapon on her person.

Gonyaul tried to acknowledge Voah’s prudent decision; however, by now there was just enough slowly seeping saliva build up in his parched mouth to cause his tongue to stick to the roof and become non compliant. He simply nodded and proceeded to help.

He thought it amusing that the clouds, looking down below as invested spectators, would confuse them with vultures hopping around a wrecked carcass of a caravan. Or perhaps more optimistic, like the little mouse like creatures they would sometimes spot that hopped around looking for resources.

Occasionally he would stop like a meerkat and stand up tall, a motion that disagrees with the soreness of his muscles, to assess they group’s situation. It looked very bleak indeed. Those that were already lost may have had the easier passage into death’s embrace. Unless there was a respite from the arid and seemingly endless sand dunes those remaining may not have the necessary supplies and water to venture much further.

It would be wise for everyone left to pool together as a team to continue; however, based on the looks he was now noticing he questioned if the thirst would get them in the end or their caravan companions? It was currently unclear.

As fortune would have it, they found their tent in reasonably reparable condition. It was tattered and torn on one side where the sword had found it’s way out but most of the items that were left inside, remained, nestled inside one corner and rolled up into a mess bundle. The first thing Voah sought to recover was the water skin, the next, was the Arisha Ikeburer she had been working on for Gonyual. The surprise would be spoiled now but at least it was safe.

After regaining the majority of their losses and recuperating with what little water they had left, Voah determined that they should continue assisting others where they could.

Her surprise project was still a mystery. Gonyaul was too focused on salvaging and brushing off their recovered items, setting them in order to connect the dots. He knew she was making a garment, but not yet what and for him.

Voah was extremely fortunate and grateful to find that her ornate Mizaran box had survived the debacle and its contents were intact, the most important piece being her father's golden monocle. She kissed it and placed it back into the box for safe keeping. The sewing kit survived, she found it a few yards further away as it had been tossed and carelessly strewn about by the storm.

Their water wouldn't last long and one of their food packs had spilled open, its contents no doubt looted by the creatures of the desert.

The members of the caravan had reformed, collected their possessions, and tended to the dead and injured. All were nearly ready to move on. So far, they hadn't been completely rejected by the merchants.

The heat was oppressive and made Voah feel light headed and goofy at times. She imagined the tiny lizard from a few nights ago was now some glutenous, scaly king perched fat and happy atop a throne made by her food pack. The imagery made her smile in spite of her hunger and sweltering misery.

While they waited, Voah had begun collecting strips of tiny vertebrae, skulls, and sharp fangs and talons from lizard and bird alike, placing them into her Mizaran box. She promised herself that she would preserve and perhaps adorn these things later, as a memento and testament of their journey and survival.