I couldn't sleep since the whole expedition was supposed to assemble in the very morning, and I was simply too excited for it. So I was ready way before everybody else even showed up in the city center.
I threw some books into my vault before leaving and then went to pick up Tihana. She had one small backpack and another large one. I threw the second into my vault since there was no reason for us to carry that. The small was light enough for her to take care of it herself. It was a strange furry thing, that looked like some pet got stuck to her back. I also took her spear, since she was gonna carry Tam in her arms.
I also noticed that she changed her look a bit. The beanie was gone, instead, a choker appeared on her neck, with a cute little padlock. The T-shirt and chacked shirt were still in place, just like the shorts, but she also got black knee-high socks.
This change probably had something to do with a certain Indian boy.
- I'm excited! - she confessed as we made the first steps towards the city canter.
- Bawk! - said Tam.
- Me too. It's gonna be a cool little trip.
- I heard that giant dude, Martin, is coming. Did you see how big he is?
- Yep. I know the guy.
- Hey! Wait up! - familiar voice got to our ears.
It was Nil, jogging our way with a big-ass backpack on. We stopped and waited for him to join us.
- Morning, Peter, farm lady - he said as soon as he stopped.
Tihana pouted after hearing his words, sticking out the lower lip.
- Farm lady? - I asked a bit surprised and amused.
- She has a chicken, she is a farm lady.
- I'm not a farm lady!
He smiled at her.
- Well, technically it's still my chicken.
- Then why I'm the one who is carrying him? - she asked.
- Because I'm the one who is carrying all your other shit - I replied and smiled at her.
She pouted again.
- Wow. You are like a real father and daughter - said Nil.
- Because we are a family - I said putting my arm around Tihana and hugging her slightly as we kept walking.
She pretended to not like that and stepped on my foot. I ignored that completely since it didn't hurt anyway. At this point, even a gunshot wouldn't hurt me, and to wound me, probably some crazy explosives were needed.
- Are you guys looking forward to seeing those Uhms just like I am? - asked Sanders.
- Yes! - Confirmed Tihana.
- Bawk! - followed Tam.
- I met some of them quite a while ago, but I actually never visited them, so I'm looking forward to seeing how they live, and what their culture looks like - I said. - They are quite interesting creatures, and their language sounds ridiculous. Kinda like whales communicating in the ocean.
- Realy? - asked the girl.
- Yep.
- I heard from Boris that you can speak their language - said Nil.
- Yep, I can.
- Say something - he asked.
- Nope.
- What a downer - pouted Tihana. - Just one world. It won't kill you.
- But it will ruin your first impression when one of them will speak to you - I argued.
- Fair point - Sanders agreed.
My fake daughter wasn't convinced, and we bickered about this quite a bit until finally reaching the city center, where people started to gather. Not only the members of the expedition but also other people, to see us leaving.
The first familiar face, and the rest of the large body, I noticed belonged to Martin. He was wearing a heavy full plate with jagged, sticking-out spikes. It was pained red and black, just as he liked. On one of his shoulders was resting giant morgenstairn.
Tihana looked at him with admiration in her eyes. I bet it was because he looked like an anime character.
Next to him was Hailwic, wearing some leathers, reinforced with a bit of steel. Still, her stomach was exposed. On her back was a big double birded, two-handed ax.
They had a cart, filled with provisions, and equipment.
Right next to them was standing another vehicle, with two guys, some nameless hunters, who were probably just there to pull that then thing. It was filled with food, tents, and other stuff. By the visuals, clearly belonging to the researchers. The second thing indicating that was all four of them, I met previously, was standing right by it.
I also noticed Andy wearing some comfortable clothes, and with a staff in his hands. It has been quite a while since I saw the guy in action, so my first thought was: "How did he improve?".
A bit on the side Nadzieja, Ki'rai, and Alice were standing and talking with each other. Razzle was laying on the ground, next to them.
There were also few other carts in the vicinity. Some looked like they belonged to the researchers, and others looked like they are the property of some locals.
- Morning everybody! - I shouted.
- Peter! - replied Martin with a big smile. - Nice to see you.
- You too brother, you too! - I replied.
- Hi Peter - sadi Hailwic and waved at me.
I greeted her with a deep, theatrical bow, which made her laugh. Then I went to greet Nadzieja, Ki'rai, and Alice. Razzle growled at me, but I ignored the kitten.
- Is everybody here?! - asked Mika Sawamura, as I was returning.
We had to wait a bit longer since all the people who were supposed to take care of the carts weren't present, so I chatted a bit more with Martin and Hailwic, and introducing Tihana to them.
She was surprisingly shy in front of the giant. Soon after we started our journey. The first day was kinda uneventful since all the monsters that tried to stop us were a single group of goblins, that died from few arrows shot by the grandma.
We were gonna avoid the canyon, and head around. Ki'rai knew the path to do so, and further, where the giants' territory started Helwic was gonna take the lead since she already visited Uhms once.
During the travel, I did my best to avoid the researchers but noticed some of them were peaking at me. Probably because I was supposed to deliver something to them, and I didn't. I tried to stick with Tihana and Nil, since Martin and Hailwic were at the front with KI'rai. That was a bad spot for me, so I just stayed at the backline.
Andy also clearly wanted to avoid the attention, or even people, since he hanged alone, around us.
When the night came we set up a camp, but didn't pitch the tents, since it was warm enough without it, and wouldn't rain anyway. People just used sleeping bags, and those of us who were used to the harsh environment didn't even do that.
The day came to an end with 24 330 290 points remaining on my account, and 21 class points.
Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om