Oh Deer

JP between Wim and Gonyaul:

The next day Gonyaul emerged from his debris shelter feeling refreshed and accomplished. It worked exactly as he intended, keeping him warm, hidden and safe from the elements.

Later that day he was planning to head back to the farm to return the three tools he borrowed; however, for the majority of the day he just wanted to enjoy being in this forest. He started by cleaning out the primitive oven, readjusting his fishing net in the stream, and practicing his meditation arts.

His stomach's alarm clock eventually went off, reminding him he needed to go looking for food. Dressed in his dirty, torn, work clothes from the farm and looking just as equally dirty and disheveled from the last two days of working on his camp, he collected a few items to venture off into the forest away from camp. The items included a simple crude satchel for placing any nuts and berries he was fortunate to track down. In addition, he carried with him his trusty little carving knife and a positive attitude.

After about forty minutes of tracking and searching deeper through the forest he was able to locate a cluster of elderberry bushes and not too far off from them a series of almond trees. He set to work filling the nourishing morsels into his satchel. Gonyaul took a small break once the satchel was half-filled. Leaning up against a tree, he simply enjoyed the tranquility of the moment while drinking from the canteen with water he brought from the stream.

Crashing through the brush came Wim chasing a young buck that he had hit with an arrow. In the left should an then again in the lower ribs. The deer had exerted itself causing the trickle of blood to finally become a torrent of blood. The deer looked back at Wim with a look that could have only been translated as, "I cannot believe you shot me!"

Wim could not believe a wounded animal could take you through every place that the gods forgot. Scratches on his arms and face, twigs and leaves in his hair, and wet leggings from going through a bog that could support a deer but not him. Wim cheered when the deer finally collapsed the final time. He slowly made his way up to the deer with an arrow notched in case it wanted to run some more. The hunter was right, he needed about ten years more practice to get a good kills shot.

Wim barely noticed the man in filthy clothing as he entered the clearing. When he did, he noticed that the man was shorter and had dark hair. He also seemed comfortable in the woods. Wim made a hand gesture and greeted him with words from the plains people. Thinking he might be a native that had been trading with the city.

Gonyaul was trained from an early age in the jungle you don't jerk in surprise when startled. Any extra motion would easily be picked up by something's peripheral vision. Instead, if unable to get hidden prior to being in the same vicinity, it was best to freeze and remain calm. In many cases a predator may not even notice you if you weren't their reason for being there.

It was obvious the deer was not long for the land of the living as well as the hunter's precision was possibly compromised based on the placement of the arrows in the deer's body. He simply sat calmly as he took in the scene of Wim appear. He conjectured it was someone of higher position from Ostarium based on Wim's attire and physical appearance. This took the edge off; however, he was still cautious since the gentleman had a loaded bow and arrow in his hands. Gonyaul nodded his head returning the greeting. He also offered a friendly smile in the hopes of gauging the intent of this stranger.

Plains people words? Gonyaul could imagine that he could be mistaken for a native of these lands. He responded, "Good morning" his accent very noticeable even though he did his best to have a clear annunciation.

Wim blushed as he said, "Well met!". Wim lowered the bow and sheathed the arrow. He was embarrassed as he said, "I was hoping you were from the Woodland People, if there are any Woodland People." He brushed part of the nature off his person and introduced himself, "I am Wim, from the Skunkworks Brewery."

Gonyaul moved for the first time, now standing calmly instead of leaning against the tree. He had waited until the arrow was no longer on the bow, because with the sturdy tree to his back he could easily pivot and quickly spin to the other side of the tree should the arrow be let loose. His guess seemed to be correct though, this man was from the colony. He had heard of the Skunkworks Brewery. Gonyaul remembered overhearing some of the other farmhands talk about it before.

He did not know of any Woodlands people Wim spoke of, so he just let that comment face. In addition, he found it interesting that Wim associated his origins to a building. Was that his family? He politely responded, "I Gonyaul". He intentionally chose to leave further details omitted. He then gestures to the dead deer. "You carry deer all the way back to Osti.. Ostiarium? Long way."

Wim smiled a little. It was clear that Gonyaul was not of his people. This made him relax a bit. At the carrying comment, Wim shook his head no. "I was hoping to shoot a hare, but he stumbled in," he said trying to explain. "It is more meat than I will be able to drag, so if you would like some, I would be happy to share," he said. Wim was not going to let it go to waste he hated people who hunted to kill and leave their prey in the field to rot. It reminded him of too many nobles. "So, are you good at butchering?" Wim asked. This was his first kill and the chase had taken the thrill out of it.

Gonyaul wondered if the gentleman would be able to hit a hare, having seen the arrow placements in the deer. While the aim was off with the bow, his aim was on with his generosity. Gonyaul gladly accepted the offer. It was not every day you get deer meat; with a two to one ratio. He pulled out his carving knife and nodded, "Thank you for this gift." He offered in turn, "I know how prepare. You know too? will show."

Wim walked over and pushed the deer with his foot wanting to make sure it was dead.
He took a deep sigh and answered, “Not well, I am afraid.”
He looked at Gonyaul and continued, “I was taught that this was a task best left to others…. But it is an important skill and one everyman should know. Like learning what is editable and what will make you sick in the wilderness.”
Wim was aware that he had a lot to learn about living in the woods.