Pleasant Surprise

JP: Alexis, Islana and Gonyaul

Once the three of them, Islana, Alexis and Jiyn, left the pub it was decided to head outside the city to find Gonyaul. Maybe, he would have seen something.

It took a little time but they eventually reached outside the city and headed the direction Islana remembered going the other day to try to find Gonyaul.

Gonyaul had been surprised that Wim had already packed up and left by the time he arrived. Yet, after thinking on it further, he did arrive later in the morning and Wim seemed like a busy individual. He decided to head directly back to the farm, hoping Wim remembered the easier direction he pointed to last night.

When he arrived home, he first took the tools back to where he borrowed them from and decided to get his things situated back at his shed before going to talk to the farm owner about leaving the farm and the settlement.

When he turned the corner at his garden he noticed Islana and company trekking towards his humble place. This was unexpected. Fortunately he looked at his most presentable for company, which was not always the case. It was apparent they were moving in his direction, so he quickly began preparing something for them to snack on and a place to sit upon arrival in order to be hospitable.

Alexis let Islana readily take point, given that she had spoken to the man before.
The mercenary was rather curious to meet him, he sounded like quite the character.

Islana spotted Gonyaul from a slight distance, she could see he seemed to be getting set up but wasn't sure if that was because he had spotted them. Once they were close enough, and not wanting to accidentally sneak up on the man, Islana called out, "Greetings, Gonyaul."

Gonyaul just finished setting up by the time Islana called out to him. He had fashioned three makeshift places to sit, should they choose, out of various objects on hand. In addition, there was a plate full of almonds and elderberries available to them on a table with a pitcher of water that would have to be shared. He even had a small centerpiece of flowers on the little table; obviously taken from the yard a few feet away.

He had a slight inkling that he could have been in trouble, having seen those with her and knowing of their role in town. Their body language; however, made him realize this was a friendly visit. He bowed three times with a unique hand gesture, to each of them. Smiling he replied back to Islana, “iersognemk gnuelhp” which translated roughly in Vauxian to girl on fire.

“Welcome.” He followed up with in the common tongue of Salos. He was an interesting looking patchwork. His features were most likely unlike any they would have seen before on the continent of Helias. Yet, he was wearing Ostiarium winter apparel and a cloak. His long silky black hair was braided in a single long braid.

Alexis inclined her head studying the unusual man with interest. Quite the character indeed.

“Greetings. I am Alexis.”

Gonyaul didn’t show it, but he was sizing them up as well. It was a learned habit from surviving within the unpredictability of the Krull jungle. Their posture was strong and confident, which made him believe they were fit and disciplined. Alexis in particular had an additional presence about her that made him think she could snap him in half if she needed to.

“Greetins, Alexus” his accent getting in the way of a few letters as he replied.

Alexis had introduced herself, which was fine with Islana. The other woman definitely had an aire about her of being in charge. She was though still trying to figure out about Alexis for herself. Islana went about introducing Gonyaul and Jiyn.

She then said the Gonyaul, "There is now more to my investigation. We were hoping to find out if you saw anything unusual in the last few days."

Gonyaul had been correct in his assumption that this visit was for her investigation. He greeted Jiyn properly once Islana formally introduced them. He then gestures to the seats and food. “Please sit. Eat. If want.”

He thought about her question for a brief moment and then replied, “nothin unusual, met Skunkwork Wim, which waz nice surprise.”

"Wim was here?" Islana didn't bother to hide her surprise. "What was he doing out here?"

Gonyaul shook his head no, “not here.” He pointed towards the distant tree line of the untamed forest. “In there.” He paused to formulate his next sentences. “I looking for food and he show up hunting a deer.”

“I prepare and cut up deer. Then we talk and ate, most generous of him. Left him to go sleep and he gone when come back in morning.”

Alexis furrowed her brow.

“He slept out here?”

He could have easily gone back to the city.

“Did he tell you why? It’s not that far to Ostiarium.”

Gonyaul nodded, it was true. It was becoming obvious with each new response that Gonyaul was not skilled in the art of lies and beguiling; he was a truth peddler. He thought on Alexis’s additional questions. Wim had not explained his reasoning for staying when they were around the camp fire. He conjectured, “no sure. ‘‘Twas late and nearing dark. He had to carry back deer. And way he came in was not good way.”

Gonyaul then continued with a deeper guess, “he talk heavy. His heart and head hold to trouble. Like he at war inside. Be alone sometime good to think?”

Gonyaul suddenly brightened up with the illumination of a new thought. “Also could be carved image in tree?”

Alexis glanced at Islana.

“He was interested in that? Is it like the ones Islana had found before? Maybe you could show us?”

Gonyaul replied, “yes, same image. One with dripping sap.” The young man was happy to oblige. It meant another nature walk, fresh air, and feeding curiosity. He laughed at himself internally, which shown on the surface of his face that he was inherently joyful, because his best plans and expectations were constantly being redirected as of late. That was interesting to him.

“I can show you. Now?”

Islana nodded, "Yes. Please do.". The sooner the better. She already didn't trust or particularly like Wim, this revelation was doing nothing to diminish that feeling.

“As you wish,” he agreed to their request. He went inside his little shack of a house and returned with a linen pouch and string and a waterskin. He gathered the food into the pouch and tied it off before handing it to Islana. Next he filled the waterskin and did the same. “For you and friends on trip.” He then started to walk in the direction of the forest that would take them to the glade. “Follow me, yes.”

Islana smiled at Gonyaul as he handed her the pouch and waterskin, "How do you say 'thank you' in your language or with those hand gestures?" Frankly, she wasn't sure she could pronounce it his language but thought it might be nice to put in the effort.

Gonyaul smiled back, appreciative that someone would be kind enough to ask that of him. He showed her the hand movement, placing the fingertips of the palm side of his left hand (since he is left handed) on his chin and then moving the back of his hand away from his chin towards her about a foot in distance. His expression was one of gratitude as he spoke the words, “muas nuokra”.

Gonyaul glanced around at all three to double check if they were prepared to head off towards the forest.