The Games Afoot

JP with Alexis and Gonyaul:

Gonyaul had many different types of low level, humble, jobs over the past seven years. Different locations, people, professions all in the pursuit of what he considered his calling. In that time, there were three very significant returns to all his efforts. One, he saved a lot of his wages due to living frugally, minimally, off the grid, or straight out had a patron situation. Two, he developed quite a network of good will; even if he never has once thought to utilize it. Three, he was learning the dos and donts of the predominant culture’s social norms.

Even though an adult now, he has never lost the childlike wonderment and curiosity that life and circumstance can sometimes beat out of you. This has led him to be very good at noticing things, not because he has some sort of competency over others, but because he is still simply willing to ask questions and is intentionally looking. He pays attention to little things as if they always matter.

And what he noticed and mattered to him in this moment had to do with Alexis. From their earlier conversation and walk he was able to informally diagnose that she was pretty banged up.

He could see how she favored different body parts as she moved by her gate, posture and balance. He noticed the sound and sight of her breathing was shallower than it should be. He could see what she was wearing did not seem like the broken-in fit a veteran warrior would have. And he could tell by the hitches in her voice she was putting on a tough and brave face to mask the pain of recovery.

This led him to deduce that the last mission she was on, even though she didn’t give him any details, was viscous and had brutal costs. Perhaps she was lucky to be alive? He wondered.

With everything that was going on as of late, it seemed more likely danger would escalate in the coming future. And that’s when the light bulb in his head went off,…..he could help.

Gonyaul approached Alexis as soon as they left the apothecary. He waited patiently until she had finished conducting conversations and planning with anyone else that was present.

He spoke up, “Excuse me Alexus, may I a moment of you time?”

He would understand if she declined, after all there were things to do and an investigation in process.

“Certainly, if we can walk and talk?”

The mercenary offered as the group headed off.

He nodded and fell in step with the group moving forward.

“Thank you”.

Now he pondered what was the best way of going about this. Pulling her off task seemed rude and insensitive to the gravity of the current situation. He though, was probably the least necessary cog in the group; so perhaps that was the ask?

“There is something you must have. I give you. Many lives will depend for survival.” He was confident that he got his point across.

Without taking a breath he continued, “I need go get it.” He paused.

“You trust me with some you precious time and to me give it to you?”

Alexis eyebrows had gone on a steady incline over the course of Gonyaul’s dramatic tangent.

“I have absolutely no idea what you are trying to tell me.”

A pragmatist and a dreamer having a conversation could be the start of a funny joke; however, Gonyaul realized he needed to try to rephrase things to make sense.

“You need armor and equipment. What you wear, “ he gestures to her current equipment “not usual.”

“You usual is many more hurt then you.” He was not sure if she was going to have him to have to prove it. He sure hoped not, because that would waste more time in him talking.

“I new armor and equipment give you. You life safer and you save lives.”

He finished presenting round two, “yes?”

“Perceptive, aren’t we?”

Alexis would admit she was pretty impressed that the young man would catch onto something like that.

“You are not wrong. But you don’t really have to give me anything, you know? I can get replacements at the armory. Which I probably should as soon as possible, admittedly. But I am already somewhat uncomfortable that we are pulling you into something potentially dangerous, you don’t need to do even more.”

The concern showed briefly on her face.

Well he wasn’t planning on getting directly wrapped up in danger, but he knew she was going to go head first into it. What he could do though is indirectly improve her chances for survival and victory.

“I know. That is why it is called a gift?” His expression and tone were interrogatory, as if to say is gift giving done different here?

He added, “it better than the armory.” The armory was more about mass production.

Gonyaul’s subtle generosities over the last year in Ostiarium had meaningful impact on others, especially those that were struggling. Nothing ever went recognized by the powers that be, Gonyaul preferred that, but the poor in town appreciated it.

He once helped a merchant family, the husband had gotten hurt on the job, with food for months until they got back on their feet. That man was friends with a man, that had good relations with what could be arguably the best armor smith in the settlement.

A gift. A few hours into even knowing each other.
She had heard the term ‘too kind for this world’, but this might be the first individual she might actually personally apply it to.

She could see he was set on doing this for her, pillars know why, but she could not in good conscience accept that. She didn’t wish to hurt his feelings, however, so she pondered over a compromise.

“… that would be too much for a gift.”

She carefully started.

“So how about this. When we are done for today, you can show me that equipment you mean. And then we’ll talk about what I can give you in return. Because if you really insist on doing that for me, so do I. Fair?”

She inquired with an uncharacteristically gentle smile.

It was rather cute to see him go quiet and noticeably wrestle with the idea of making an exchange for a gift. He never had to negotiate before on such matters. What would he even ask for in return?

The inner dialogue must have come to an end as he gently smiles back.

“Fair.”