Ronnie, just scowled.
"Yes, quite..."
The Duende continued to glower moodily as he started to busy himself. It seemed putting more attention into his explanations and instructions was a more worthwhile investment than simply remaining sullen however, as the frown faded somewhat as he began to explain his proposition. He pushed a larger piece of parchment back out towards the middle of the table, as it needed nearly the entire length of the counter simply to be viewed in full.
Toke in its entirety lay spread eagled before them. From the frosty tips of Veri, to Moshuar's most southern sands. Improvising somewhat, and using a fork as a makeshift pointer, Ronnie launched into what sounded rather like a very practised speech of sorts,
"So the plan, in theory, is relatively simple. Andy and me, are going to find the Lake of Gold,"
A few of those gathered may have noticed how the siblings couldn't help but beam in preemptive pride at this mere statement alone. Andy was also all of a sudden sat fully upright in her seat, and leaning forward with attentive concentration.
"And, we offer to any and all of you who are willing, to accompany us on this venture. Now I know that the Lake has been just a myth really up until now. Nobody's ever found it. It's just been a story handed down since, well... probably the time of the Burra or something, I don't know. However, after much research and questioning, and many, MANY hours of precise revision. We think we've got ourselves a lead."
The Duende moved his pointing fork across the map, so that it now rested atop the highest peaks of Kodėr. Other mountainous regions on the map were at least somewhat charted. And small dotted trails could be seen wiggling amidst all of the other territories summits. But Kodėr remained completely and utterly uncharted.
"Only the gods know quite how exactly, but a small hamlet still manages to live within the highest Northern Alps of Kodėr. Through means she has been unwilling to discuss but whatever, Andy heard of a rumour that claimed people in that village were living to ages for beyond that of any normal lifespan."
Now, smiling in an altogether more pleased with-oneself manner, Ronnie continued,
"I took the initiative to investigate this matter further of course. Our foster Father had a distant uncle or something who lucky for us, happened to live in this village. And the last time he wrote to our Dad thirty years ago, he was eighty. I tried writing to him again now, and wouldn't you know it, I got a reply didn't I,"
He even wafted the letter in the air in confident triumph.
"He says hello to everyone coincidentally, But he also writes of his wife, who I would like to comment is another fifteen years older than him! There's people in this village reaching ages around 120 for petes sake! And in Kodėr of all bloody places! I took the liberty of asking if a brook or stream of sorts ran through the place, and the man's confirmed it. So this is the Hypothesis I propose,"
He began to sketch a rough outline of a village amidst the Kodėr peaks as he spoke,
"The stream that runs through this village, at some point, splinters away and diverges from the Lake of Gold. Meaning the Lake itself is hidden somewhere within the very tops of the Kodėr mountain range. So we're going to go and bloody find it aren't we."
As he spoke, Andy had handed out conveniently pocket sized pieces of parchment to each member of the group. The handwriting upon them was a little scruffy and splattered, but the purpose of them was perfectly clear. Each member of the group, even Ronnie and Andy too, now held in their hands a contract.
The younger Duende now stood, paper held almost cautiously with both hands. Her voice was wary with hopeful optimism.
"These are the terms we wish to offer to you. In our opinion, and we hope you think so too, they aren't particularly barbaric. But umm, yeah. We'll give you the night to read them over and what have you. And then, if you're up for it. Meet us both by the toll gate at the docks, nine sharp, if you don't mind."
Ronnie had gathered his various odds and ends in the meantime, seemingly unable to wait or dally any longer. He was rushing for something, but of course he didn't explain what exactly. However, as soon as Andy had finished, he made their excuses to be leaving.
"Like she said, nine sharp. Don't want to be late, see you tomorrow! ... maybe!"
Andy and Rennie's proposition and terms for the presented expidition expedition to The Lake of Gold
All prominent decisions will be made as a consensus and a consensus alone.
All knowledge of the Lake discovered prior to, during the expedition, or upon finding the Lake, shall be kept under devout secrecy between all members of the group.
No biting.
Meanness Bullying shall not be tolerated in any way shape or form.
Pets are permitted. Especially Dogs.
To these conditions, I agree.
Signed:
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