Help Wanted

JP with Voah, Alexis, Tarmen and Gonyaul:

Gonyaul came out of the euphoric state moments after Voah. He began trying to get redressed. Inwardly laughing and playfully showing this to Voah through his eyes while both were trying not to make any noises which could be misinterpreted to those outside the tent.

The situation made her feel like a teenager. She couldn’t help but giggle as she saw him quietly scramble. Then she made her way to the entrance and into the morning air of the mountainside to greet her guest.

Alexis was standing before her with Tarmen. Voah didn’t need to fake a smile, it was truly a pleasure to see them come to her shrine.

Alexis returned the smile.

“Good morning, Voah. Sorry to bother you this early.”

She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

"No bother at all." she said, a little out of breath, somewhat betraying her earlier activities.

Tarmen nodded his greeting, letting Alexis take the lead. He wasn’t comfortable recruiting the Arbiter for this venture, especially after their conversation about the Creed.

He did see a chance to tease the woman, knowing the signs of a rushed clean up.

“Hope we weren’t interruptin’ your prayers Arbiter. Seems like white the work out.”

And then he was alone. Which was helping the calming down rate; however, now he wasn’t sure if he was supposed to go out there too or stay put. They technically only called her name, so he decided to stay inside for now.

Gonyaul went up to the items that were supposed to represent the pillar gods and arched a brow in curiosity. “What are you really?” He whispered.

Very firmly not wanting to delve into the direction Tarmen’s comment was leading, Alexis chose to simply ignore it and explain their presence.

“We are planning to get to the bottom of that chamber in the mine that has the clansmen refuse to work. Would you be willing to come along? In case all that talk about curses and such is not completely unfounded.”

Tarmen wasn't wrong. She had indeed set a candle and burned incense in prayer to Hoi before Gonyauls arrival. But she knew what he meant.

"I... well, yes. I am certainly willing. I haven't found any leads on my mission here as of yet... It seems I am destined to tread into places unknown and if I'm honest, I would rather go with familiar faces. I would hate to depart Aquilo and into Fang without spending a little more time with you all."

“Brilliant.”

Alexis was glad to have her along. Now to extend some curtesy.

“Need some time to … prepare?”

Gonyaul went on to inspect the metal censer that was filling the tent with sweet smells. Wasn’t that the weapon Voah was swinging the night of the false ambush. It was multipurpose, very interesting.

"That's a good question. What do you recommend I bring exactly?" she asked, genuinely uncertain of what the mission might need beyond her awareness and possibly her weapon for protection. It couldn't hurt to bring her box of sacred salts.

“Tarmen’s the expert there. We could hop back to camp, see what we have to equip you.”

Alexis offered giving over the reigns to Tarmen.

“Sure. How soon… are we talking?” she said.

Thinking it over, Alexis was right before. They had supplies to cover for the Arbiter.

“Anything to deal with another imp, just in case. Make sure your clothes are suited for wet, razor sharp rocks and we should be able to handle the rest.”

He glanced to Alexis in case he had missed anything.

“We can leave once you’re ready.”

“I can absolutely do that.” she said to Tarmen and then turned to Alexis. “I’ll meet you at your camp.”

“Good. Take … your time.”

Turning to Tarmen, she added.

“Wanna come with, see if we got something useful for you, too?”

Gonyaul continued to wait patiently. He was not eavesdropping. Instead, he was seated in front of the pillars with a level of focus that could resemble a child having a staring contest. He was sizing them up and giving them a window of opportunity to explain themselves.

Tarmen nodded already leaving the Arbiter to prepare.

“You got a deal. This place has next to nothin’.”