[Mines] One Dot, Two Dots, Peridots (Fish Stick)

Xyltha Thanole · July 15, 2008, 09:44 PM

Mid Kalendryas, Winter, Era I, PF XV

Xyltha brooded. Casting his eyes about the bleak mountainside, he was filled with regret. Why was he on this venture in the first place! He was tired, he was sore, and he was hungry. In other words, he was in a bad mood. His roughly tousled hair were near-brittle, and dusted with traces of snow, and his boots were filled with wet, cold sludge. Departing via a northern route from Vers, he had already travelled several candlemarks towards his destination; the Vorgan Mines - and yet no end was in sight.

His trek, apart from his discomfort, was relatively uneventful. In truth, it was more the boredom that cast the black shadow across his mood than anything else. All the long road, with no companion to talk to. No plaything to play with. No nothing. Just a plain endless strip of beaten path that wind and twisted and bent whichsoever way it pleased.

His mind was still numb from boredom when the first shacks came in view. When his mind registered he leaped upright, and whooped with glee! All previous brooding thoughts swiftly left his mind, and he hurried onwards. He was within the final leg of his trek. Soon, once he had passed all manner of farmlands and shacks, he would be at the entrance to the mines.

It didn't take much longer for the weary traveller to reach the entrance. He halted to take stock of his surroundings and himself. Though he had the pressing quest to obtain a peridot, he had no clue where one would find it in such a vast underground maze of claustrophobic rock. He looked around, to see if there were any miners, most invariably dwarves no doubt, that he could press his inquiry upon.

Fish Stick · July 17, 2008, 08:15 AM

As he approached the entrance to the mines, he could see that there was a dimly lit light a bit deeper into them. If he chose to approach the light, it would be easy enough to see that it was a lantern sitting down next to what he had expected. A dwarf. The dwarf was picking away at the side of the mine with a pick, and examining each stone as it every one of them might carry a secret within them, or a treasure to be found. He had a long red beard, and a short fat body to go with it. Upon careful inspection of each rock, he'd either throw it behind him, or place it in a bucket next to him. It was up to the elf to decide what to do though...

Xyltha Thanole · July 17, 2008, 08:58 AM

After much loitering before the entrance of the mines, he reluctantly decided to enter. Finding himself home in the depths of the forest, he felt decidedly out of place within the dark belly of the dark. As the darkness embraced him, he extended his arms out, feeling for any obstacles in his path until his vision would accommodate.

It didn't take him long before he encountered the first dwarf. Squat and chubby features that characterised their ilk, this particular specimen was picking at the wall and sorting through debris methodically.

The elf didn't wish to particular disturb the dwarf, weren't they all grumpy old men? But he had no choice - he didnt' know his way around, and he had no idea where to get Peridot among the giant warren that made up the Vorgan Mines. In fact, he didn't even know what Peridot looked like!

In the end, desperation and necessity forced his hand. He approached the dwarf cautiously, with his hands out in front, palms outward to show that he meant no harm.

"Serale, how goes the mining? Sorry to disturb you, but I'm a bit lost around here. I'm looking for some Peridot, do you know where I can get Peridot?"

Fish Stick · July 18, 2008, 05:52 AM

The dwarf looked around and then up towards the elf that stood before him. Quite surprised to see an elf in the Vorgan Mines, he stood up, and then said, "What in aslan's name are ye doing in these mines boy!?" When the elf spoke, the dwarf answered promptly. "Mining's going well these days, although with the orckish wars, ye gotta be careful with yer stock. And of course you're lost, you're an elf in a mine. Elves stick to forests and the like," But when the mention of looking for a peridot came up, the dwarf almost burst out in laughter. "Yer looking for a rare gem known as a peridot? Well, I haven't found any in here, but that's not to say there aren't any deeper in the mines... I could accompiany ye if you're in need of assisstance, which, i'm sure ye are. What might yer name be?"

Xyltha Thanole · July 18, 2008, 06:05 AM

Xyltha perked up at the offer of assistance. That was exactly what he needed, a dwarf knowledgeable in the ways of underground navigation. He held no illusion to his likelihood of survival if he ventured alone. Well, at least now he knew that the Peridot was a rare gem, somewhere deep in the dark maws of Vorgan's.

"Well, I'd appreciate that very much, Master Dwarf. I'm Xyltha, Xyltha Thanole. I'm on a quest to find three rare gems for someone in Vers. I really appreciate your help, I'll shout you to a whole cycle's worth of beer when we get back!"

According to popular belief, dwarves enjoyed a good drink, and Xyltha was more than happy to accomodate if that meant he could get that Peridot.

"What's your name, Master dwarf? And what kind of dangers are deeper inside the mines?"

Fish Stick · July 19, 2008, 06:26 PM

"My name is Gildar, and as for dangers deeper in the mines, well, these mines are known for their troll infestations, so we'll have to be weary of them. Trolls don't take kindly to dwarves ye see, and i doubt they'll take kindly to an elf of your stature..." he said, calmly, as his face shown vividly bright when he picked up the lanter. It was obvious that the dwarf had had a few run ins with things himself, seeing as how his face was scarred on his right cheek, and above his bushy right eyebrow.

"Well, we better not be awaisting time. What where those other two gemstones ye needed sonny boy?" he asked the young elf, eager to know if he could be of some assistance after they found the Peridot...

Xyltha Thanole · July 19, 2008, 11:25 PM

"Nice to meet a fine dwarf like you, Gildar. A real trooper, I must say. I bet you've got a strong arm, enough to deal with those pesky trolls. I must admit I'm no warrior myself, but if we do get attacked by Trolls, you can count on me to add some firepower with my spells."

It was a nasty revelation, finding out that trolls inhabited these mines. But then again, Xyltha thought it was perhaps to be expected, given that they were shun from Society at large. They'd hide in dark places, where they wouldn't be seen and ridiculed. Regardless, he'd rather not have to come up against one any time soon - though having the dwarf's presence was somewhat reassuring. After all, dwarves had a reputation for being fierce fighters.

"Well, I need to find some Obsidianite and Ardentium. I've heard that I can get Obsidianite from Aslan's Forge and Ardentium from Zerdagia. Do you know anything abou them, Gildar?"

Fish Stick · July 21, 2008, 03:04 AM

"Well, obsidianite, and ardentium don't happen to be gemstones my'boy! Those are rare and precious metals. They are often sought after to make very durable weapons, as well as armors, rings, and things of the sort. Ardentium is extremely durable, and by adding the obsidianite, it will become much more durable. What exactly is it that you are making?" the dwarf asked, curious as they walked through the large caverns that made up a majority of the Vorgan Mine system...

Xyltha Thanole · July 22, 2008, 08:36 PM

The elf listened intently - this was all news to him, and he felt better off knowing what exactly he was hunting for. This dwarf was proving to be useful in more ways then one, after all! From it he heard, it would appear that all three items possessed rather special properties, making them highly sought-after, and undoubtedly difficult to obtain.

When the dwarf probed him for what he was planning on making, Xyltha paused, hesitant as to whether to reply in truth or not. Well, the dwarf appeared friendly and helpful enough, but what would happen if he found out the secret behind Xyltha's quest? He had heard the greed overcame even the best of friends for some, and he had no particular desire to be staring down the wrong end of this miner's mining pick. Yet, at the end, Xyltha felt the strength of their partnership would be greatly boosted with trust and honesty. Who knew what dangers lurked ahead - and such a strong partnership would hold him in good stead in the future.

"Well, I'm not making anything myself, but I asked someone in Vers to make me an enchanted ring that allows me to communicate with animals. He sent me off on this errand to obtain these minerals so he could craft the ring for me. If you wouldn't mind me asking, but why did you agree to help me out in the first place? It seems so out of character for a kindly dwarf to help out a lost elf wandering in the mines - but not that I'm complaining."

Fish Stick · July 29, 2008, 04:25 PM

OOC: Sorry for the delays.

IC: "Well, ya see, i'm helping you out, so that perhaps you can help me out. i've never really ventured to far into the mines, because of the trolls, and if you want yer peridot, then perhaps it would be fer the best that we stick together. i can get more rare gems out of it, and you, my good elf friend, can get that peridot that you need fer this ring of yours..." he said, and then grinned, taking out a flask of liquid and drinking a bit of it, some of the liquid spilling upon his beard. The smell of alcohol permiated from it.

Xyltha Thanole · August 18, 2008, 09:20 AM

OOC Sorry for the delays myself. :P

The elf pinched his nose as the pungent smell of alcohol assaulted his senses. As he blinkered the acrid smell away, he nodded in assent to the dwarf's proposition. It was a sound agreement after all. He didn't mind helping out this dwarf, if in the end he could get his hands on the peridot.

"Very well then, good dwarf. I'll help you get your rare gems, if you'll kindly help me get my peridot. It's a deal then!"

He clapped a slender elven hand against the dwarf's shoulder as a manly gesture between equals, to reinforce the newfound friendship tween the two.

"So, whereabouts in these caves can the peridot be found?"

Fish Stick · August 26, 2008, 02:29 PM

OOC: We all have our delays.

IC: "Well, the peridot is found quite deep if i remember correctly. We rarely go there anymore for fear of the trolls that inhabit the mines, but i'll lead you there if you wish..." he said, and then began to lead the elf down various lodes within the mine, until it seemed so deep that they could feel themselves sweating profusely.

"Here, drink some of this water, we wouldn't want ye to dry up before we reach where the rarest gems can be found?" he said, and then offered up a flask of water to the elf, hoping for his sake that he'd drink it...

Xyltha Thanole · August 28, 2008, 09:40 AM

Sweat was dripping profusely down the elf's cheeks. He couldn't feel them, but that they were drenching his top was unmistakable. His tunic hugged his torso uncomfortably in the suffocating heat of the inner mines. He wiped a dripping hand across his forehead, and gratefully accepted the flask from the dwarf. When was this infernal journey going to end?

Getting really hot down here. Are we getting near yet?

Taking a swig from the flask, he returned it to the dwarf. He was amazed that any creature would willingly live in these caves.