Eo

Aosda grumbled. “Why do the Icefields have to be so cold?”
Agamemnon grinned. “Because my morose friend if they weren’t. They’d be the waterfields.”
“Water I can deal with.”
“Now Aosda.” Nakstani said as she laid a hand on her comrade’s shoulder. “You’re not going to tell me that you would have rather had the assignment to attend the Riot of Rot. Would you?”
He sighed. “No Ambassador. Even with this infernal cold I would rather be here. But, just the same I’m pleased to be heading back to Lulungomeena. “
They had completed negotiations successful earlier that morning and were now walking back to the pier. Where the Crimson Sunset was waiting.
“I wonder if the crew will be back from leave when we arrive?” Aga wondered out loud.
“We were allotted three more days. So probably not.” Nakstani replied.
Aosda groaned. “So much for leaving soon. Oh well better in a cabin on ship then in those so called guest rooms. I bet they purposely keep them cold just to help push along negotiations.”
“Undoubtedly.” Nakstani said as she suppressed a grin. She had been surprised to have been assigned Aosda and Agamemnon as her escorts. But, between Agamemnon’s music and tales and the reminiscences of the elder Aosda, both had kept her entertained the entire mission. Add to that the good-natured crew of the Crimson Sunset and ease of the trade talks. It had been a very pleasant trip.
As the trio rounded a corner, Aosda could see the top of the masts of the Crimson Sunset.
“Ah! There she is.”
But neither Aga nor Nakstani said anything. He looked around and saw that they had stopped and were talking with a purple and blue Pearlcatcher. He moved to them.
He could see that in front of the Pearlcatcher was a stack of belongings neatly stacked. Propped up on a gold lance was a sign that read:
Need funds for travel - available for short term employment
“ And this is Aosda. Aosda this Eowyn. She was just beginning to tell us her story.” Nakstani informed him.
He nodded his greeting. “Okay but can we get out of this blasted wind?” He pleaded.
Agamemnon smiled, “Agreed. Eowyn, are you hungry?”
She grinned.”Yes, actually I am and you can call me Eo.”
They entered the nearest restaurant and sat. Since Nakstani’s Gem Guardian was conversing with Eo’s. Agamemnon sent his goblin with a note to the Crimson Sunset's First Officer Rilinka. (Aosda’s Leo had refused to leave the warmth of the Crimson Sunset.) The note explained that they were busy with one last item and that they would be back on ship by evening. A return note stated that the Crimson Sunset would need to wait until morning to be underway with the tide and that they could take their time.
While waiting for lunch to be served, Eo told her story.
“Well, As you can tell, I was born in a Shadow Flight Clan. I was raised there most of my life. But the clan leaders decided to switch their allegiance to the Plaguebringer.”
Aosda stopped eating a roll long enough to make a rude noise.
Nakstani shot him a glance and prompted Eowyn to continue.
“I didn’t agree with the change.”
“Good for you.” Aosda muffled through his roll.
Eo grinned. She was beginning to feel at ease with these newcomers.
“Even my mother decided to make the switch. She wouldn’t listen to me. So, I took the first transport I could find and left. I thought it would just take me elsewhere in the Wood. But, unfortunately it brought me here. I’ve been trying to make travel cost ever since.”
“Do you have an issue where to go next?” Nakstani asked.
“No not really. Well, maybe, not Ashfall or the Wasteland. Anywhere else I think I could be happy.”
“How about coming with us?”
“Do you have room?" She asked excitedly. "Wait, where are you headed and how much? I don’t have a lot and I would need space for my gem guardian. I can’t leave her behind.”
“Don’t worry about the cost. I’m sure we have room. As to where we’re heading, our home is an island between Dragonhome and the Labyrinth.”
“Lulungomeena, the most beautiful, the most wonderful place in the universe.” Aosda toasted and quaffed his ale. He poured himself more from the near empty pitcher.
“We’re from an Earth Flight clan. But we support both Earth and Nature.” Agamemnon added.
“We’ll be traveling past the Starfall Isles if you would rather be let off there.” Nakstani said.
Their lunch arrived.
Eo grinned, “No, I think I would like to give your clan a try. At least long enough to pay off getting me out of here.”
“Ha! Bet you'll want to stay. Everyone does.” Aosda laughed.
“I hope so.” Agamemnon said as he bit into his grilled fish.
Nakstani raised her eyebrow at her companion, grinned and forked her salad.


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30OCT22 8kg