No Immediate Solution

Gonyaul gently placed his hands on top of the egg that Voah was supporting from underneath. He smiled sweetly.

“We will figure something out.” He implied that it wasn’t necessary to have a solution immediately. Perhaps thinking it over and the passage of time will provide the necessary clues or epiphany.

He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, and then began to rise. “Thank you for sharing with me.”

Although the main source of tension remained unresolved, the two of them had acknowledged and laid out a lot of their insecurities and commitments on the table. Voah's mood was somewhat brightened and the conversation engaged her curious mind. She still wanted to work things out, whatever that looked like. She let out a hopeful exhalation.

Gonyaul moved about the hovel collecting the staff and a pouch. “I was going to bring a meal to a family that has no father. Do you want to come with me, or better you stay hidden and rest?”

That reminded Voah of her concern for their survival. Gonyaul had been giving away his coin to strangers on several occasions and that often left the couple tight on funds. They had no savings except for one pearl which Voah was hoping to trade for enough fabric to sew another Arisha Ikeburer for herself... if they were still going to marry... but she never questioned Gonyaul's liberal charity. How could she? After all, it was a consequence of his life's purpose and besides, he earned the money for himself. She had no right to one copper of it.

"Oh no, I can't stay inside any longer. I need to get out and I'm awfully hungry. Take me with you, nnn?"

Gonyaul looked delighted to have the opportunity to bring her along. The chance to spend more time with her was a real treat. Even though a part of him knew she might not blend in as well as he could, he rationalized that they weren’t going anywhere dangerous or actively looking for trouble.

“Yes indeed.” He beamed and began helping her get ready so the two could make good time being on their way to the closest market street near the periphery of the city. The same uneventful street that led him from the hovel near the outer parts of the docks to the temple.