Celebrations Part 3

It was then that Hunter was returning with a few smaller barrels of water on his horse. While the others were greeting each other he was restocking the water supply for them. He was also gathering information by listening in on any gossip. He was a bit confused by what Voah was doing but kept silent in hopes she would tell him later on. He was surprised to see the others there and he was curious what they were up to now........and if they ran into Omen as well.

Speaking of gifts, Gonyaul was wondering was there a particular time you gave the gift or a particular way you give them. He was so used to every little thing being controlled during Vaux ceremonies.

He decided just to ask Voah. “Speak of gifts. Do I give you now or must wait later?”

Gift giving was different for every family and Voah's family usually gave presents in private. She didn't know what to say. "You got me a gift? Oh my... later. We can exchange, nnn?"

He nodded and smiled. He stopped his hands from running up the long sleeves of his Arish Ikeburer to retrieve the gift from the special compartment.

Islana was also surprised Gonyaul had time to find a gift for Voah, but knowing Gonyaul the redhead could only imagine it was heartfelt.

Hunter unloaded the water kegs and tied up his horse. Then he put the water barrels in the tent as the others were still talking. He wanted to finish his work before resting.

Voah noticed Gonyaul's garments and had a series of memories hit her all at once. First it was the Duke's banquet, then it was the flash of a memory that wasn't hers. The poor child screaming for his mother before a bright forge and a priest of Vastad, then she remembered the garments she was adorned with in her dream... It was the same design as Gonyaul's, but different colors. She needed to take a moment to process that.

"Excuse me Islana, Gonyaul. I need to greet and thank the others."

Gonyaul bowed and respected Voah’s request to be excused.

"Of course, " Islana gave a respectful reply to the request.

Voah turned around feeling very confused by her epiphany but kept her composure.

Once they were away from the Arbiter, Islana asked Gonyaul. "Are you more comfortable now?"

Islana's own body language was on alert but she was usually like that. Her eyes occasionally wandering towards the guests she didn't know. Alexis though had invited them or, apparently, knew them and the young hunteress trusted the mercenary so it made Islana more at ease

Hunter watched everyone get along with Voah. However he was curious by her expression after talking to Gonyaul. He wondered if the rabbit said something to shock her. Then he continued to watch from the shadows.

-----

Tarmen gave a slap on Alexis' shoulder, falling into a more cheerful mood already.
“From what I have heard, I am surprised to see you still kickin’. You have to tell me what brings you out here though.”

Alexis pointed to Boyce and Nicolaus.

“We’re accompanying them. They want to check out the ruins in the Fang.”

Looking to her companions, he could only recall Nicolaus. Interesting how his number of acquaintances was growing.

“Finally, someone understands. Been tryin’ to get the lads here to join me into the mines for a similar reason. Bunch of lazy louts.”

He laughed, just realizing how much he was enjoying being around this group.

“Heard about that. ‘Curse’ and ‘disease’, was it? Did you already go down there?”

Alexis inquired.