The straps of worn leather securing his belongings creaked predictably in the morning air…
"I don't like this plan of yours." said Dothrak, watching- no, judging- from the guard post by the grey gate.
"I know." was all William said in response as he focused on securing his gear.
In truth, he couldn't entirely understand why Dothrak was taking such a hard stance on his "scheme", as he put it. He should say something. He turned to face the dwarf, pausing as he composed his words.
"Dothrak, we won the war. And you know how it is- life goes on, and blacksteel always finds a buyer."
Dothrak began to reply, but paused to consider his words, as William had done.
"It shouldn't have to be you, to negotiate trade with these-"
"Vagabonds? Criminals?"
"Yes, damn it. Send a diplomat, or a group of 'em."
William chuckled quietly at that. Dothrak was nothing if not orderly. But mountain halls had left him unaware to the treachery of the wilds, and the fate that befell "diplomats". It had to be him.
"Dothrak-"
"William."
The Humorrin had seldom used his Ailor name whilst in the halls- least of all the Stormhearts and Dothrak himself. He was angry.
"Dothrak. It has to be me. They're a nation of pirates and thieves- not nobility."
The inevitable long pause drifted between the two, bonded to the morning mist that purveyed across the Argost mountains.
"Just… trust me on this. That's all I ask."
Dothrak hesitated for a few, endless, moments. He resigned himself with a sigh and nodded his head in agreement, before speaking.
"I suppose I can do that."
He moved quickly towards the packhorse, handing William his packs in an amicable silence.
"Where to now?" he asked, handing William a satchel of parchments and small books.
"West, as far as the road takes us."
"Us?"
William grasped the pommel of the sword hanging by his side. "Bad times to be travelling alone in Essalonia. Besides, Reeves is coming with me."
"The warden? Why?"
"Wants to see the world, I think. I can respect that."
"I see. And where to after that?"
"Songaskian trading post on the coast. With a bit of luck, or coin, they'll provide us safe passage."
"Safe passage to where? Our ships could ferry you, and you would know the crew."
William paused his packing, sighing and turning to face outwards from the mountain gate.
"Do you see it, Dothrak? The mist over the forest, like a wave. Nothing like it anywhere else."
William sighed again after a pause, turning around to face him.
"In truth, I don't know where we are going. All I have is a name. Eotor. If the rumours tell true, of pirate cities, we'll need sailors who know the waters."
Dothrak looked down at the faded greys and whites of the floor, as if thinking to himself, before nodding in agreement with William. The sun had begun to crest over the mountain, flooding the forest with a warm yellow glow that mingled with the mist. Neither of them spoke as Reeves emerged from the entrance, with his horse saddled and packed for the journey. It was Dothrak who broke the silence.
"Big world."
"Big world." he said in agreement.
"I hope to someday see it all."
Dothrak laughed at that. And laughed as he spoke.
"Don't start crying on me, Ailor. Someday, perhaps you will."
William smiled at that thought. But he was wrong.
"No. We all will- you, me, Thara… and anyone else who's willing. After the wars are won."
"-and Argost is safe."
Beyond that, there was nothing left to say. William lowered himself slightly to shake Dothrak's hand, a custom that the dwarves had inevitably embraced. With his left hand, Dothrak produced a silver flask, shimmering dully with the yellow glow of the morning air.
"For luck. Or whatever queer gods you pinkskins believe in."
He attached the vessel to his belt, before gesturing to Reeves to follow. He gave a last nod and wave to Dothrak, before the two plodded down the worn stairs that lead westward. Townspeople and harvester alike looked on as the two began their journey onwards, and the mountain halls of Argost passed into memory- a flicker of torchlight, to guide them on the road ahead.
TL;DR I'm joining Fehrenkyr, one of the new nation states of Eotor. Hopefully it'll be an interesting journey for both me and my main character.
@MazzerDK @Sephite @Nexdy
Argost gang
