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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 14, 2024 10:22:59 GMT -6
But merely a handful of paces ahead, something else glinted. Zenjesi frowned. They swept the flashlight up and over the tunnel ahead, but it soon twisted away, which did not allow for much visibility. Still, it was unusually quiet here. They crawled forward on hands and hooves towards the reflective object on the ground. It felt almost as though they were following a breadcrumb trail, but... this one felt more as if it could lead to a trap. Who, of sound mind, would leave stones scattered about in this manner?
A fragment of quartz lay amidst the rubble. This, Zenjesi knew, would fetch a higher price than the pyrite. It also led them to notice that the volume of cast-off stone and debris had increased here. The satyr was lifting their head to investigate when a rush of warmth and dizziness came over them. Blinking several times, they brought one hand to their forehead, feeling suddenly faint.
Zenjesi: 0.9
Vossa: 12.4, 14.4
Mining: 32
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 14, 2024 11:49:44 GMT -6
Are you okay? Vossa's voice floated into their mind. It was clearer than their other thoughts, but still distant, obscured by this unexpected pulse of... Zenjesi sat up straight. The sensation settled. The feelings of heat and a sudden pulling on their person together had confused their senses. They were not dizzy. It was the Hunger.
Yes. The response hissed back to Vossa, though whether it was a direct reply to her question or an expression of satisfaction with the situation, neither could say. Zenjesi leaped to their hooves, their fingers beginning to work over the stone surfaces on every side. Where was it stronger? There had to be a source.
As their flashlight danced crazily over the walls and the floor, they saw they had not been alone. The work of the prior party was focused here. The pyrite and the quartz had been abandoned in the hunt. Then... was the pull from the walls at all?
Zenjesi: 1.0 - logged!
Vossa: 12.6, 14.6
Mining: 33
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Post by Silver on Oct 14, 2024 21:16:47 GMT -6
A few more lost shinies line the path. |
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 15, 2024 13:54:16 GMT -6
Perhaps the others had already uncovered the crystal. It could be that Zenjesi would follow the scent right into their pockets. But no... the stone was warmer here, was it not? They could not discern if it was physically warm to the touch of their fingers or if that impression was only formed by their Other sense. The walls around here had been gouged. Zenjesi scrambled into their pack, unwilling to remove their line of sight from the stone, as if the crystal would flee if not supervised.
What's going on? Are you... sure you're okay? Vossa was lingering back, unsure of what to make of Zenjesi's sudden frenzy.
Yes, the turn is mine. The pickaxe was gripped in white-knuckled fingers. Vossa took another step out of their range. You must keep watch.
I will. The Lurking Strife scurried forward to accept the flashlight that was hastily passed in her direction, then returned to safety.
Zenjesi: 0.1
Vossa: 12.8, 14.8
Mining: 34
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Post by Zenjesi on Oct 15, 2024 14:11:43 GMT -6
While the satyr set about hacking into the wall, Vossa fixed the beam midway between the work and the tunnel that twisted off. It was difficult to maintain a visual on both at the same time. Perhaps a lantern would have been a more useful tool in this case. But she stood still, watching and listening and not altogether sure what Zenjesi was talking about or what had worked them into this state. They were very cryptic at times.
In the rush, Zenjesi had left the pyrite and the quartz on the stone, like whoever had come before. Careful to keep the light steady, Vossa crouched to pile them up. In the process, she noted a few other items of interest - amethyst marquise and aquamarine. These were gathered into the pile as well. Her arms were too small to carry them all at once. Maybe she should ask Zenjesi for her own bag for the next time.
Zenjesi: 0.2
Vossa: 13.0, 15.0
Mining: 35
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Post by Silver on Oct 18, 2024 19:29:30 GMT -6
The rush of warmth should feel familiar to them by now... but it does make one wonder why the concentration of fire is so strong here. What do these tunnels lead to, exactly? |
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