Taste of Freedom

JP with Omni and Lorem

Gonyaul's Hut
Haven - Sentinel Island

Looking down on the Vauxian, Draza recognized the exhaustion of one who has been suffering from sleep deprivation. She sighed, half out of sympathetic understanding, half out of annoyance. This wasn’t likely to be a fruitful morning. She would have to go easy on him.

Gonyaul knew that look. It wasn’t the first time he had a mixed emotions gaze from someone. He sat himself up and began rising to his feet. He felt stiff all over and was hoping for the chance to move to get the aches out.

He put his discomfort on pause and remembered that he was missing an opportunity to connect. “Good morning Draza. I hope you slept well?” He smiled and was being genuine; there was no sarcasm in his tone. He realized his emotions were out of balance, but not his rational mind. And that logical side reminded him that today was a new day and it was worth rejoicing about.

Draza, noting Gonyaul's sincere greeting and the genuine attempt to connect, softened her demeanor. She nodded in acknowledgment of his morning salutation. "Better than some, I reckon," she replied in Vauxian, her voice carrying a hint of warmth previously unheard.

"Come," she gestured with a nod, "there's much to see and little time to waste." Draza understood the need for Gonyaul to stretch and move, to shake off the vestiges of his troubled night.

Gonyaul noticeably perked up from his night of torment the moment she said they were going outside. Like a dog that he waited so patiently for their masters return and the promise of a walk, he didn’t hesitate. Despite his neck being stiff because the floor was unforgiving, he nodded eagerly in agreement with her and would immediately follow. He longed to satiate his curiosity with what lay on the other side of these walls.

Gold and amber light brushed the morning sky, as the Stalwart and the Vaux stepped out into the fresh morning air of the coastal village, the smell of salt spray and jungle filled their nostrils.

Draza began guiding Gonyaul through the village. The settlement, nestled in the embrace of Sentinel Island’s verdant landscape, was waking up to the new day. The air was filled with the sounds of Surathi life; the murmur of voices, the clinking of tools, and the distant laughter of children.

Gonyaul approached the threshold to the hut cautiously, like a burrowing animal peeking out to see if the outside world was safe. A smile blossomed on his face like the petals opening to greet the warmth of the sun’s embrace. He paused, painted in the morning light, and closed his eyes. His lungs fully expanded as a deep breath savored the clean air and saltiness that was muted inside his confinement. It felt wonderful to freely greet the new day properly.

From there Gonyaul followed closely to Draza. His curious nature soaked up every sight and sound like sampling from a buffet. It was fascinating to see their culture’s morning routines, architecture, people and way of life; the clues about his captors were imbued in every detail.

It also did his heart well to hear the sounds of commerce and children alike. It made him think about his own childhood, though the contrast couldn’t be more different, there was some parallels in regards to the sense of community. He did notice he received many a stare as he humble followed in the wake of their champion. He would smile, bow and sign to any that stopped long enough to linger their attention on them.

Draza pointed out the various stone and thatch structures that made up the village, each with its own story and purpose. "This," she gestured to a larger building with walls adorned with intricate carvings, "is the Meeting Hall, the heart of our village, where decisions are made and disputes settled."

They meandered through sandy paths lined with homes made of stone and wood, each uniquely decorated with motifs symbolizing the family’s heritage within. She directed Gonyaul's eyes to the vibrant tapestries fluttering in the breeze, each telling tales of Allosi history and myth. One depicted figures seemingly walking in the sky around large spires of a city.

They continued on, passing by communal gardens and fields lush with native and exotic plants and crops. Draza shared insights into the village’s daily life, the communal efforts in fishing, crafting, teaching, and combat and Magik training.

As the tour neared its end, they stood atop a small hill on the outskirts of the village, which was nestled in a cove surrounded by jungle and cliffs. The serene spot offered a panoramic view overlooking the village and sea.

"This is Zar'tir… it means 'haven'," she explained, her gaze sweeping over the landscape. "Our ancestors found refuge here, a sanctuary from their turmoil-filled past."

Draza turned to Gonyaul. "Our lives here are simple, yet full of meaning. We strive to live in harmony, despite the shadows that linger from our past not far from here. It sounds like yours now do the same. Our people have endured."

Gonyaul continued to follow, but there were so many interesting and new things to pay attention to, that there were multiple times where Draza had to remind him not to fall too far behind. He didn’t say much, but his eyes were filled with wonder, wanting to know more. He had so many questions storing up for a time better suited.

He occasionally made a comment, not wanting to interrupt the tour giver’s flow though, so they were typically just quick statement. Examples included: “I was a farmer once.” and “I caught fish in a small river next to my hideaway.” Aside from such small interjections, it was mainly cheerful back channel affirmations that would have made you think she was showing him a paradise.

“This … “ he gestured to everything that had been built, both structurally and socially, “is beautiful.”

Draza, sensing Gonyaul’s genuine appreciation and curiosity, allowed a rare hint of a prideful smile to touch her lips. “Thank you, Vaux. Your words are kind… Seldom do we have outsiders set eye or foot upon these sands. Not unbound anyhow… and not without a wary blade at their throat first.”

Gonyaul was quite grateful he was making a good impression. The alternatives for a guest in the village sounded unpleasant. Having experienced a taste of one of them, imprisonment, he preferred not to revisit that option.

He smiled and looked out once more over the fruits of their labors. His gaze drifted off to the horizon line over the ocean, projecting his inner eye towards home; wherever that may be based on his current location. He was lost for a moment thinking of home and the people he loved still there. He wondered what things were like there now? It had been a long time.

A breeze of salty sea in his face brought him back, He looked up to Draza. He might as well start getting proactive with his kagim. “Draza, may I ask if there is anything that I can do for you today? And is there anything I can do to delight you?”

Draza observed Gonyaul’s distant look, sensing the depth of his thoughts before he returned to the present. She was guilty of such things far too often herself. His offer to assist and bring delight caught her slightly off guard, challenging her usual stoic demeanor. She took a moment to consider his question, weighing his sincerity. She had plans for him already.

“Your willingness to contribute is admirable. There are always tasks in Zar’tir that benefit from extra hands.”

Her gaze shifted towards the gentle waves lapping at the shoreline. “Our fish farm needs replenishing, and today we are set to catch stock for it. You will assist us with this task. Later you will help prepare for the evening’s communal meal, a task that unites the village.”

The words reminded Gonyaul that he still had little choice in his position. Draza paused, that faint smile hinting her softer side. “As for delighting me… that is a more challenging task. However, if we haven’t already wrestled all of your knowledge regarding Helias and its history, I would be interested to hear more… Our own history tells of greatness, but that epic is but the repetition of faded, ancient memory… Apart from the history… sharing stories of your home and experiences would bring a fresh perspective here. We know very little of the world outside of this island, and even that is limited. We value knowledge and the wisdom it brings. Your journey sounds like it holds many lessons we could appreciate.”

Gonyaul was happy to oblige on all accounts. Help fish, make a meal, and tell stories made his experience sound like he was being integrated into the community in his mind. It was as far as the east is from the west in regards to his prior condition. In fact, her imperative commands almost sounded like a vacation compared to the trials and tribulations he had endured across the lands of Arcadia.

“I knew it was going to be a good day.” He validated to himself in satisfaction. His attention once more drawn to Za’tir’s morning life. Since she mentioned fishing, he looked over towards the sea and shared a shortcoming.

“I can’t swim … will that be a problem?” He had never truly put it to the test. He had seen both tree and land dwelling creatures sometimes engage in the water. They all seemed to figure it out, so he assumed he would too if it ever came to that. Yet, to date, every large body of water he had come across, there was always something that separated him from finding out; a boat, a board, a series of rocks, etc.

Draza paused, her eyes narrowing slightly, as she processed Gonyaul’s admission. The faint smile faded, replaced by a momentary look of incredulity and a mumble of something in Allosi, her voice tinged with both surprise and a touch of disappointment. “That’s… unexpected.

She sighed, her irritation evident, but she was determined to give the Vaux a chance. He was full of surprises. “Well, that’s an inconvenience we’ll have to address. But… you’ve made it this long in Arcadia without learning. We’ll be fishing near the shore, and you won’t need to enter deep waters. Besides, it’s a good opportunity for you to learn, should you wish. Even a child can teach you. We Surathi learn to swim as soon as we are able.”

Leading him toward the beach, Draza appeared slightly more pensive. As they descended the hill toward the shores of Zar'tir, they could see the morning’s activities were in full swing. Gonyaul felt good after being able to get out and stretch his limbs. When they passed a group of others, Gonyaul was so captivated by his surroundings and the different people that he failed to see the intentional leg jut out and he tumbled into the sand. Looking up, he saw a Surathi man glaring down at him, who then disdainfully spat in his direction.

“E’shada!” Draza sharply scolded the man, her voice carried the weight of authority and rebuke.

Draza swiftly hoisted Gonyaul to his feet, her grip firm but controlled, sparing some of her usual roughness. Both the Surathi man and Draza exchanged hostile glares, their faces etched with mutual animosity, before parting ways.

Gonyaul made it clear to Draza, before their descent to the beach, that he would indeed like to learn how to swim. He had always admired those that had the life skill. Not only did it seem fun, but no doubt it was useful. He didn’t mind who taught him, as long as their was an opportunity to learn; even a dog might have been a suitable tutor. And if he was going to do so in the ocean, what an impressive environment to be in.

When he was tripped, Gonyaul fell and caught himself with his hands before face planting; however, the soft sand depressed under his weight so his face ended up sinking into the sand a bit anyway. He collected himself after being put back on his feet so easily by the larger Draza and brushed himself off. He showed no ill will to the man that tripped him.

He did learn from the experience to be more aware of Surathi hospitality. He had been lulled into a false sense of security by the shift in care of his captors. This was a helpful reminder that he was not necessarily welcomed or safe; good to know. These people were not the Odsier, a group that for the most part were much more welcoming and inclusive of him.

“I do not think I am improving your favor with your people.” He assessed.

As they neared the beach, Draza’s face was a mask of stoicism, her gaze fixed ahead. She turned to Gonyaul, her voice firm and devoid of warmth. “Vaux, it is not my favor you should concern yourself with.” she stated bluntly. “I do my duty.”

She sighed, “It would do you well to remember you are… a visitor… here.” She hinted that not all Surathi would be welcoming of an ancient adversary.

She led Gonyaul down to the beachfront where a small group, including Ylja, was gathering nets and preparing wooden canoes. Ylja’s face lit up with excitement upon seeing Gonyaul and she ran across the sand to meet them as they approached. “Gonyaul! Come, aid us with the fish!” She grabbed him by the hand.

Draza nodded to Ylja, giving her a subtle sign of approval. “Ylja knows these shores well. She and the others will guide you on what needs to be done. It is important work.”

Gonyaul made a mental note of Draza’s advice. It was a bittersweet reminder of the reality of his situation. It was likewise yet another consistent blow against his desire for people to have a compassion for the fundamental dignity and struggle of shared humanity. How long would it take others to finally realize the truth, he wondered?

Gonyaul followed quietly and noticed, now that the rose colored perspective had been dispelled, that he was indeed getting looks ranging from caution to disgust.

Ylja’s genuine greeting, on the other hand, was a wonderful reprieve. Gonyaul always liked the young because they were usually not skewed with indoctrination and prejudices like their adult counterparts. He bowed as she approached with a welcoming smile. Then gladly let her take his hand and pull him towards the work down at the shore.