With Altman, Garnet, and Amethyst- Southern Canada

Around a half hour after Garnet had started carting me down a path that headed North did Amethyst break the silence with a long winded sigh.

"Garnet?" she asked while trailing slightly behind said Gem.

"No Amethyst, I have no idea where we are or which way to go to reach the Temple, but hopefully we'll reach a town soon, and then find a way back." Garnet said giving Amethyst a sideways glace. It was truly within me to mock them for not having known how to reach this 'Temple'. But thought better of it, I've been, what is the phrase? Hog-tied? The small one, Amethyst, she sounds like an American and even carries herself like one. Them being from someplace in America wouldn't be too farfetched, I guess.

Anywho, their real problem is that they are going North towards my current residence, and if you keep up the wagon trail to the road you'll reach Winisk. I'd like for them to not know where I take off my boots, but I have responsibilities and business to conclude. Maybe I can strike a bargain, and if I play my cards right I'll come out on top. But my thoughts were interrupted by Amethyst, "Hey Wipe-shin-stein, how do ya get to Delmarva from here?" She waved her hand at me trying, and succeeding, to gain my attention.

Shooting her an unamused look, I thought aloud to myself, "Delmarva, Eastern United States correct? I've heard of it but, never been." Amethyst looked pretty smug with herself for some reason.

She looked to Garnet, "See I told you he could help us!" Looking back to me she gave me disturbingly large grin, "And you know where we are now right?" I gave a slight nod. And if it were even possible, her grin grew even more. "Awesome! Now show us the way Whatsitsaid!" Amusingly she struck a pose pointing towards the East, thinking for a few seconds and then just waiting to see how long see could stand there.

I was startled when Garnet suddenly took me off her shoulder and lent me against a tree. (Just a reminder, I am still wrapped in Amethyst's whip.) Giving her a nod in gratitude, I looked to the still poised Gem, "Is she stuck?" I asked Garnet, she looked at Amethyst and shrugged.

"I think she's waiting for you. But seriously, do you know the way?" Garnet gave me an expectant look.

I cocked my to the side in thought, I wasn't actually sure if I could. But there are maps at home, and that could help me. And the fact that I have no idea what they have planed for me back at their 'Temple'. Helping them could be a much needed boon, as it could be my own destruction. Decisions, decisions.

I gave her crooked grin, "How a deal Fraulein? In exchange for my assistance as well as coming along quietly, you and your friend allow me to conclude my business here. What do you say, hmm? Do we have an accord?" I would have had my hand for her shake but, I was a bit tied up at the moment.

Looking for a hint of body-language, I couldn't help but notice that she has two gems on each of her palms. 'I wonder if that is significant?'

"What kind of business?" Asked Amethyst suspiciously whom had snuck upon me.

"Gah!" I fell over from surprise. Looking up from my downed position I glared slightly at the offending Gem. My response was short and curt, "Beer. I make and sell beer to a few lucky taverns. And coincidentally this is to be my last shipment of the year. And I make the trip tomorrow, fifty kegs to one buyer." Then I looked to Garnet "What do you have to lose?" I said while sitting back up. "My home is not far," I looked around, "Just follow this trail, there is an intersection up ahead. From there I'll guide us."

Garnet just stood there staring at me, but felt more like through me. Finally, Amethyst broke her silence, "Hey Garnet, yo hello! Ya in there?" she said waving her hands in her friend's face.

After a few seconds it seemed to break Garnet's trance, as she looked at Amethyst and whispered a small, 'Thanks'. She then looked to me, "Alright, it's a deal. Amethyst let him out." Amethyst nodded and released me from my bondage.

Standing up, I stretched till I felt the satisfying pop of my spine. Then after brushing off my coat, I signaled them to follow. Walking with Garnet behind me and Amethyst just after, we reached the intersection in short time.

But, Amethyst's questions made it seem longer than it had to be, and Garnet's silence made it uncomfortable. Luckily Amethyst's questions were fairly harmless, mostly about why I live in the middle of nowhere and why in such a 'boringly, snowy forest'. My answer was simple, I dislike people. That gave me about three minutes of peace. But that ultimately lead to Garnet asking me why do dislike people, that was also simple. "That is none of your concern."

My answer seemed unsatisfactory to the two Gems and Amethyst looked to voice her complaint but Garnet interrupted her. "Everyone has right to their own secrets. And we will respect this."

Amethyst huffed and muttered a quiet 'fine' and the rest of the trip remained such.

An hour later...

Spotting my current home I released a breath of relief, "Finally, we're here. Alright I only have two rules for you."

Amethyst raised an eyebrow. "Rules?"

I glanced at her "Yes rules, number one 'if it looks old, do not touch it.' and number two 'guests help make dinner simple, no?" with the two Gem's affirmative nods I began the process of opening the solid metal door.

Step one, I exposed my right arm by taking off my coat rolling up the sleeve. Step two, I punched the door, creating a loud gong sound that triggered the mechanisms in the door. I rolled up my other sleeve and grabbed my coat from Garnet, whom kindly held it for me, as we waited as the door made a series of clicks and clacks then another gong before it opened up.

Turning around with a grand poise, "I bid you welcome to my home."

Amethyst raised an eyebrow, "Why don't you just have a doorknob?"