Preparing for the High Road

JP with Winteroak, Alexis, Gonyaul, and Hunter:

Malacost heard what was being said and approached Alexis on the side. "Begging your pardon. I would like to ask if you consider letting me accompany you?" He asked seeing her confused expression.
"I came here to petition the clans to allow me into Fang. I'm here prospecting for gold. Now seems to be that you just been allowed to travel to the interior. And I could use the ride." He explained. "In exchange I will pledge my services to help you find your friends." He proposed hoping she saw the benefit of another body, since no one else seemed to be offering any further help.

Alexis turned to the man with a slightly surprised expression.

“We haven’t been allowed just yet, Master Alcuin.”

She looked at Hunter.

“Which by the way answers your question, Hunter. As soon as we get permission. Markus, do you know who we have to ask?”

Turning back to Alcuin, she gave him a closer look. He did seem pretty tough, but still.

“If you heard that much you know we are in quite a hurry. And very much unclear on what we’re up against. You sure that’s worth skipping petition procedures?”

Gonyaul went off to start packing. It felt better to have a plan. A goal meant their able minds and bodies could come up with the necessary choices to get results. Getting permission was a mute point. He didn’t need permission to venture off into the unknown, to risk his life, and try and save others.

"Balt will have left word if you move into Fang for one of the Odonine will announce your party." Markus replied.

Malacost looked at Alexis. "Gold waits for no man. I would rather accompany than be stuck here waiting for an answer. If you'll have me..."

Hunter listened to Alexis and Alcuin talk before being addressed by Alexis with an answer to his question. Granted he remained patient unlike Gonyaul who wanted to rush back into the mines. Then there was the gold prospector named Alcuin who seemed way to eager help them while sneaking past procedures. It sounded to convenient he was here to help out of the kindness of his heart. Guys like Gonyaul were rare and the odds of having two of them were smaller than marrying a princess.

Satisfied with Markus’ answer, Alexis addressed Hunter.

“Great. Hunter, would you handle that? Not in the mood to ‘discuss’ with the Odonine wether or not a woman should be allowed to speak. Or rather I am, but that might end up detrimental to our aim.”

To Alcuin she said:

“I’m not gonna stop you. Just know we can’t be very considerate right now.”

With that she excused herself to do her own packing.

Hunter nodded at Alexis as he replied, “Understood. You are right in that we lack time for distractions.” Hunter looked at Alcuin and replied, “I know you are using us to bypass proper procedures but if you endanger any of us on this mission we will cut ties with you.” Then Hunter gathered his gear and head to the meeting.

Upon completing his packing of his camp belongings, Gonyaul began preparing the horse Islana had assigned to him, Amu. He didn’t have as much time to bond on the way here due to the Luger attack; however, now that would be remedied.

Gonyaul brushed and began putting the tack on Amu the way he had been shown. He brought over some food and water for his ride, he brushed the horse down.

Speaking gently to Amu, “I need you be brave with me. You smart, so help me ride good. We going find a most precious person.”

His horse was prepared. His belongings and equipment for the journey were equipped and secured. The sun would soon be greeting them for a send off.

Gonyaul looked towards the mine opening and pretended he was talking directly to Voah.

“You take the low road and I take the high road. And we’ll be together in karawse… Karawreseni…. “ he sighed at the difficulty of that word.

Gonyaul took one last long look, hoping she would miraculously appear, then turned and looked to see if anyone else needed help getting ready for their departure.