The Lewis and Clark Expedition ❤️

Upstream

Clark's POV

The sound of rushing water grew ever louder as we continued forward, as a unit I might add. I would have been fine had it only been Lewis and me on the whole expedition. Lewis is the only person whom I did not mind the company of. He's nice and patient. Kali was beautiful, yes, but I wonder if she would be a better friend. 

Through the trees came little log houses peeking through the gaps of the trunks. John perked up at the sight of more people; He can't be sick of us that easily. Plush grass beneath my thinning boots turned into the cobbled road as we approached closer and closer to the civilization. 

"Can't be more than three hundred people here," Lewis said as he surveyed the area.

I stood at what I could only assume was the entrance to the town. I'd say twenty houses were along a wide river bank with multiple homes extending out somehow into it. A few people roamed about and a small group had gathered to watch us waltz in. 

 Lewis, the fool he is, dropped his pack loudly on the road as he attempted to pull out his sketchbook. His face was red as he stooped to gather his things now strewn across the stones. John and Kali had kneeled down to help him, leaving me to stand there facing everyone muttering to each other as their eyes bore into my small frame.

"Hello! My name is William Clark!" I announced, trying to keep my voice from quavering. I repeatedly punched my thigh and glanced down to see if my traveling partners were finishing up and could come to my aid. 

I turned back to face the crowd, blood rushing to my head just like the river. I wanted to dive into it and die. The people had not changed their stance. I felt a weight on my shoulders and turned to see Lewis practically lounging on me. His feet were even crossed and his dopy smile plastered over his entire face. It calmed me down and yet belittled me at the same time somehow.

A man wearing a coarse red beard and tall tricorn stepped out from the mob and spoke in some language. John looked utterly confused while Kali had sat down and leaned against one of the houses on our left. 

"They speak French," Lewis muttered in a low voice to me, "I've got this." He lifted his arm from around me and I can't say I was mad about having him that close me. 

Lewis struck up a conversation for a few minutes and then referred back to us.

"So bad news, we cannot stay in this town but we could buy a boat for not that much. I don't think they want us here because we're American," Lewis states rather proud of his French translating.

I think a boat could beat having to cut through trees any day.