The Widow

JP with Lorem and Omni

Upon entering, Gonyaul removed his head wrapping to reveal his Vauxian features and braided hairstyle for the first time. It took the widow by surprise on the account of never having seen anyone like that before and that he looked more like a beautiful female than male. The woman already concluded he was a foreigner from their previous encounter.

In her old life, when her architect husband was alive and she had not yet fallen in socio-economic status, she would have been resistant to outsider assistance. Now that she had fallen on hard times and struggling to stay afloat, any help at all was gratefully welcomed; especially if it benefited her two children.

Language was still a barrier, but not impossible to navigate. Gonyaul had been picking up language at a faster rate than Voah thanks to his daily interactions and he seemed capable of making it work with what he did know of their tongue plus gestures.

The Widow took the gift from them and began getting things situated to prepare a meal. Simultaneously she instructed her two kids, one boy and one girl, to show their hospitality and get the small table set. The table was set quickly by the fraternal twins, who were distracted by all the novelty of the meeting, but they managed. The table had two extra places set, making it obvious she intended to have Gonyaul and Voah join them; it was the least she could do.

Gonyaul was quickly pulled away by the two children. Actually it was probably more the other way around, he pulled them to the side so that they could entertain one another. He was trying to teach them a Vauxian game that utilized Vauxian hand signals and mimicry; a version of charades.

The woman and her children were even more shocked to see Voah's brilliant eyes the color of aquamarine. She could tell that the widow was a little unsettled by her presence and Voah tried to reassure her with a civil, reserved attitude and a friendly smile.

Over the tasty dinner of meat which the woman spiced, warmed bread, and a thin lentil vegetable curry, Voah learned through staggering words about the family, that the widow worked sometimes at a shop that sold dried fruits and nuts, how Gonyaul had assisted her with her shopping, and at one point she even spoke about her late husband, his job, and something that piqued Voah’s interest. Apparently the man had a vice for gambling, especially betting on scorpion fights.

When they moment felt natural, Voah inquired more about the scorpions and whether she meant Skara, to which the woman laughed and gestured that they were much smaller. The woman didn’t seem to know anything about the giant scorpions but pointed the interested Helian in toward the north part of the city.

It never ceased to amaze Gonyaul how things connected. He had no idea that his generosity helping a stranger would assist Voah with her Skara investigation. Now they had tangible information on which to act upon. The sheer amount of time, energy and resources they might have saved by having dinner here was possibly significant.

The meal was humble; however, for all parties present it was a blessing. Accompanying the nourishing food was fellowship and smiles, making the experience all the sweeter. There were times during the meal, that Gonyaul would sit back and just smile from an outsider- looking-in perspective. His thoughts admiring how kindness could bring people together, overlook differences, and create friendships. He wouldn’t get an award or recognition for his efforts, like a champion on the battlefield would, but he wasn’t seeking any. His reward was all around him right now and he couldn’t be happier.

While the woman, Memeptah was her name, and Voah cleaned up and continued trying to converse with one another. Gonyaul was off in the corner doing something with the two kids that was strongly holding their attention.

When it came time to leave, it was very apparent how this small gesture meant so much to the Widow. Gonyaul hugged her and leaving a hand on her upper arm after pulling away reassured her that she was a wonderful mother and not to give up. Of course there was the language barrier, but she was able to figure it out from his expression alone.

After all the goodbyes were said, Voah and Gonyaul departed for the location that she had given to them. About fifteen yards out a noise of surprise mixed with crying could be heard coming from inside the house. Gonyaul just kept walking while holding hands with Voah. He smiled at her, though his face was covered, she could see it in his eyes. He then glanced down to the bottom of his staff. It was naked of it’s golden ornaments. He had stripped it and given the gold to the kids to give to the mom.