It is Decided: Aquilos Together

JP with Alexis, Boyce, Nicolaus, Islana and Gonyaul:

Alexis shrugged.

“I would, but I gotta get back to working one of these days. Can’t have those guys do all the money earning. Especially if they want to go explore.”

She said thereby giving Islana and Gonyaul her blessings to join Nicolaus and Boyce if they should want to.

"Well then it seems the Blackwolf, Cagliostro expedition would be in order," He looked to Blackwolf. "If you are willing Boyce, we can combine our resources and gather supplies with Alexis to organize and lead. When we safely arrive we can make arrangements for moving on to say the ruins?"

"I would prefer to move quickly by horse, but I am unsure of the supply situation in the newly established town."

"Gonyaul could be of particular service to me," Nicolaus turned to the quiet man, "Tolan must remain to see to the needs of the town, and does not have your skills in the field. Part of my hope is to identify new plants that may have new undiscovered uses. I will need assistance in gathering seedlings and cuttings and preserving them. Perhaps we will discover a new crop for your groups farm." He did not know his tribe, but the man's choice of task and natural demeanor suggested they were a people of the land, of nature.

"And Damoiselle, your eyes and ears would be most fortuitous given the natives migration, allowing us to avoid unnecessary entanglements. Though your bow will also be of great value in supplying meals thereby allowing lighter and faster travel. Although I am sure Lady Alexis has made those calculations already." Nicolaus smiled.

Gonyaul smiled back at Nicolaus as he focused to keep up with all the back and forth between people. It was harder during large group conversations, because it was more multitasking instead of single tasking with his attention when they were speaking.

He had his reservations about this. For starters, they just started trying to make a new life on the new land. There was so much to be done and things already started that needed tending to or they would fail. If they all left, who would keep the place?

Secondly, he had heard enough talk from others to know there was trouble on the horizon. Aquilos was necessary for war efforts, not just resource supply lines. Was it prudent to go towards the danger?

Thirdly, he had spent the last seven years now moving from place to place in the pursuit of his kagim. This was the first time it was different; it felt more like home and a family. Things he had left behind. And his experiences had taught him so far that he was probably never going back. That is what this felt like too. That the moment he left this place, he would never return.

He could be of use to their proposed venture regarding plants, yes. He had an official document from the Duke securing him a job as a farmer in Aquilos if they had to stay; he never actually opened it to read it yet. Should he go he wondered to himself? Reject the known and the comfortable for the unknown and the uncomfortable again?

Nicolaus could see the quiet young man was conflicted. He warmed his hands by the fire. "Gonyaul, a home is where your family is. Change is coming to this place, for good or ill. The best we may do is keep what matters close."

Gonyaul nodded in agreement with Nicolaus’s words. Home is were the heart is. Change is constant. Staying together with them, even into uncertainty brought a semblance of consistency along for the ride. He knew he was compelled to go due to kagim, but his feelings had not yet been convinced. But that had never stopped him from embracing vulnerability before. The feelings would always come around to their rightful place once kagim flowed.

Islana didn't need to think that much about it. It was a chance to see new places, with her friends. New experiences, perhaps a chance to learn new things and a way to get out of Ostiarium for a while. It seemed to solve her wanderlust and the want to stay near her friends, all at once. The nod from Gonyaul only seemed to solidify her own response. The young hunteress smiled back at the doctor.

"I am certainly willing to accept your offer and contribute my services to your expedition."

"Then I think we have reached an accord. I suggest we make haste in departing as I have been warned the migration of the native tribes will shortly make the journey nigh impossible. I leave the details to you Lady as you have reached the Fang before I believe? I myself shall retire with regret, I must return to town at first light and finalize arrangement to be away. If you require anything of me you have but to ask." Nicolaus rose and bowed formally to the group around the fire.

So they would all go together? That… honestly sounded great. Felt like ‘the good ol’ days’, almost.

Alexis smiled.

“Well. First things first. Your pick, Nicolaus, either you stop calling me Lady, or I’ll start calling you ‘Master Cagliostro’.”

Grinning, she calculated what time it might take to get to the Fang and how long it would take to settle affairs and get equipped.

“Horses might be unavoidable, if we want to outpace the nomad tribes. That is, if everyone can ride. Otherwise I suggest a cart, which might be helpful if you need to bring more cumbersome equipment. But I think preparations should take about 2 days. Then we can move out.”

Gonyaul had never ridden a horse before. He kept quiet though about it since they were trying to figure things out.

"I will retain my Palfrey then and look to a hackney to carry some basic supplies, so I may at least continue my research. I shall see to it, in two days hence then... Alexis." Nicolaus felt an almost giddy sense of excitement.

Gonyaul took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He took another deep breath and tracked its movement slowly through his body and then exhaled slowly. He mentally washed out his insecurities and qualms.

When he opened his eyes, they were resolute and that ~Gonyaul spark ~ of hope was back in them.

He leaned closer to Islana and whispered, “how you ride a horse?” From observation it looked like you just sit on them and they do all the work.

Islana could ride, basic skills in it really but she knew how to get on a horse and get from point A to B. It's not something the woman had done, in a while, but it had been important to learn even as a young child, when she lived in the woods with her family.

She turned to Gonyaul, "I can show you the basics. It's not difficult."