Walk and Talk

JP with Islana and Gonyaul

Gonyaul was taking a brisk pace and making it look easy. He noticed he needed to slow down his gate when he realized Alexis’ breathing didn’t sound like her lungs were completely expanding under her rib cage and Islana’s legs were shorter than the rest. The pace turned closer to a casual hike.

He was very accustomed to silence and being silent. He felt slightly self conscience though now that he was in the presence of others on whether that was considered rude or not. He tried to initiate small talk, using the opening question he seemed to ask everyone. “What’s your story?” He directed at Islana first.

Islana thought it figured that she would be asked something she couldn't completely answer. The young woman thought for a moment and then responded, "I've been on my own for a few years. I was living in the woods, developing my hunting skills and decided I wanted something different. So, I got on a ship headed some place new." She felt bad lying to him but she felt she had no choice. All Islana could do was think that it wasn't a complete lie, it just wasn't quite the truth. She hid it of course then turned the question back on him. "What about you? What's your story?"

Gonyaul smiled, “I help man about six years ago.” He paused to consider if his timetables were correct. It was close enough. “Do so left me home. Ever since many new people need help, so no go back yet. Been many places, thankful for that. Now people here need my help, so come here.” He followed up his active listening to Islana’s response by asking, “you like you decision for something new?”

Islana smiled at his response. He did seem like the type to help people. "I do. It is interesting and challenging." Better than the alternative, was what she didn't say. "I'm hoping I can learn new skills as more times goes on."

She thought for a moment then asked him, "Do you have plans to stay in the area or are you looking to do something else?"

Gonyaul nodded, “I not decide. I finish help at farm I think, may be time to move on?” He shrugged not entirely sure. “Wind always bring me new thing, so not worried.” He took a deep breath, “Each moment is gift, so I focus more on moment.”

He felt led to affirm her pursuit of self improvement. “You attitude good, you learn new skills for sure.”

He inquired, “if you learn first, what skill be it and why?”

As they continued walking, Gonyaul was still very aware of the path they were on. Not only was he acknowledging any differences from this morning, but he also took the time to identify new things he had overlooked the other times he’s made the hike.

Islana understood what he meant by possibly moving on, she knew she might have to, at some point even if she was very tired of running at this point.
"Oh, there are many things I'd like to learn. I'd like to become better at foraging. Maybe, swords. I think having a way to defend myself in closer distance than a bow can provide would be good." There was more but it was all she could think of at the moment.

He didn’t know the word foraging. Gonyaul repeated it very softly, “foraging”. “Best to not have to fight at all. Use head.” He smirked as he pointed to his head. He was using phrases his elders had constantly used on him, how funny. He contemplated showing her something she could use in close quarters; however, refrained at this exact instance because it may not be appropriate.

In addition, out of everyone present, he was the only completely unarmed individual. The other two would be better mentors for such weapons of war. He did carry a carving knife on his person; it was hidden by the cloak. Gonyaul would never dream of using it as a weapon. It’s purpose was utility not combat.

"I agree, I'd rather use my head than a sword but sometimes it's unavoidable." Islana knew, all too well, being smart could help but didn't get someone out of all dangers.

"Foraging? It's being able to find food such as berries, mushrooms,and that kind of food in the woods. Knowing which is safe to eat and which isn't. I have a little knowledge in the field but would like to know more." It was a useful skill.

What Islana knew about it came from her homeland and the plants she knew as a child because they grew near her home. She knew a few berries that were safe and one nut tree that was obvious but she knew very little beyond that. Even with her time living in the woods, but she hadn't had anyone to teach her such things and experimenting wouldn't have been wise.

“ienmahc,” Gonyaul confirmed. “Foraging.” That is something he knew a lot about in the jungle. Here it was a learning process because different areas have different flora and fauna. Many of the same tactics and concepts were still applicable. He was confident in his abilities to stake living at his camp site completely off the grid though. “Foraging very good. Mushrooms tricky.” The toxic ones can look a lot like the editable ones, and their toxicity level was much more potent than plants on average.

He pointed to the pouch he gave her earlier with the nuts and berries. “Foraging”.

Gonyaul’s expression became curious, “foraging, sword, new place, I curious what matter to you on inside?” Up till now those were all external skills earned by merit or experiences gained by the inevitable passage of time. What was the driving force behind it though he wondered.

Her responses gave him a glimpse of what she could do and a taste of what she wanted, but it didn’t really inform him on who she really was. This question was probably overstepping. Those types of questions were very commonplace back home, so he did not realize it may have been too forward.

Islana didn't know how to respond to the question that had been asked. She grew quiet for a moment. "I think that might be a topic for another time." Which Islana realized was giving away there was more to her past than what she had said but it also made it clear she wasn't ready to discuss it, not yet. Still, her voice was calm and not upset over the question.

Gonyaul understood. “Another time.” He respected her desire to drop that topic. You don’t force a flower to open or you destroy it he thought to himself. Perhaps getting the conversation back onto something she would be interested in sharing was a better approach. “How know you Wim?”