A night or two after leaving Gahnil for the second time, and after talking with Alexis: Rask starts tending to the horses as the group settles in at camp, he catches Alikimo’s attention, and starts to talk to him. Rask is earnest, if a bit awkward. After all, he is a soldier, not a diplomat..

“Alikimo, you have shown your trustworthiness and you have accepted my apology, I am deeply grateful and I will always regret not being able to keep your confidences.”

“I do feel the need to clarify that this is my horse,” Rask gestures to the steed he bargained for at the First Gate, “and that neither Alexis nor I intended to give it to you outright. More like as if you were our heirs. I apologize for the confusion and would like to do what I can to help you acquire your own horse soon.”

Rask pauses for a brief moment. Before the young Aatori can speak, he resumes:

“In any case, I find myself wondering what you are thinking about doing next. I know you said you had family to the North…We are on a very dangerous mission, but Alexis has said that you are welcome to travel with us for as long as you would like, and as I have said, I will do my utmost to protect you… I don’t think we can take you family with is on our mission thought…””What plans are you considering Alikimo? We are focused on our mission, but I will aid you as we can while we travel together. Perhaps we can help you sharpen a skill or two, trade rumors and stories of interest, if you would share what you know about horses with me for example, I would be happy to teach you… a skill you are interested in improving… but it be helpful to know what you thinking…”

Rask fades out a little and continues to brush the horses, waiting for the Aatori’s response.