The group of six advanced through the dense forest, following a narrow path nearly obscured by undergrowth. Thal, carrying a bulging pack of unknown contents, led the way. Roderick closely trailed Nia, reciting his well-worn declarations of love, while Wesley interjected with mocking jibes. Uni brought up the rear, her thoughts drifting to the black-robed Charmion walking at the back of the party.
Earlier that morning, Nia had quietly confided in Uni a peculiar detail: Charmion had privately asked Nia the current year on the continental calendar, and when informed it was 1076, he had responded with the cryptic remark, "So three years have passed."
Though Nia, at only seventeen, had quickly forgotten the incident amidst Roderick's playful jests, Uni found it highly unusual. Surely Charmion harbored some secret. Pondering this, Uni couldn't resist glancing back at him.
Charmion noticed Uni's gaze and responded with a small smile. Uni nodded in acknowledgment before turning her attention back to the path ahead.
Charmion lifted his eyes towards the looming mountain peak, a faint smile playing on his lips.
After an hour's walk along the trail, the group reached the base of the nameless mountain, the path ending abruptly. Gazing upwards, they beheld a verdant, rugged landscape of towering cliffs.
Gathered together, Thal unrolled the treasure map, pointing to the text in the upper right corner. "The map states: 'The ancient steps lead to the perilous peak. The black, icy cavern holds a gift bestowed by the gods.' It seems the Lost Cavern must be located on this mountain."
The others contemplated the words, their spirits lifted by the prospect. After a brief respite, spurred on by the ever-eager Wesley, the group began their ascent.
From the base, the mountain appeared manageable, but as they started climbing, the true challenge became apparent. Scaling the jagged, exposed rock was a vastly different endeavor from walking on level ground.
Thal, wielding a mighty axe (as dwarves are wont to do, whether with axes or hammers), hacked a path through the undergrowth and felled trees. He navigated the obstacles with the determination of a valiant general, his advanced age belying his vigor. Wesley, brimming with energy, dashed about, lending a hand to Nia or pulling Roderick along, his eyes bright and spirit soaring, employing every means to hasten the group's progress towards his dream of untold riches. However, it was clear the delicate Nia, in particular, would never be able to maintain his pace.
Finally, after a grueling afternoon of climbing that had scarcely taken them halfway up the mountain, Nia collapsed to the ground, refusing to go any further, like a dead sparrow (though one mustn't describe a lady in such unflattering terms).
Wesley grew frantic. "Lady Nia, we must press on! What, you can't go on? You mages are so weak-willed!"
"Wesley," Roderick roared in indignation, "have you no humanity? Lady Nia has endured the hardships of this journey, cooking our meals, gathering firewood, washing our clothes, waking us each morning, and standing watch at night. She has fought alongside us, yet always graciously allowed us to take the spoils first..."
Wesley interjected meekly, "Well, the facts seem a bit different from that..."
Roderick steamrolled on, undeterred. "A woman of Lady Nia's brilliance and beauty, like the fallen moon and blushing flower, could have easily refused to accompany us on this perilous expedition. Yet she has remained by our side, out of concern for our friendship. We should be forever grateful to her."
Turning to Nia, Roderick saw her smile wearily but appreciatively, as if conveying her approval. His very bones seemed to melt.
Wesley could only stand there, mumbling, "I had no idea I was such a heartless wretch."
As night fell, and Roderick insisted that the exhausted Nia should not be burdened with cooking, the group reluctantly resorted to hard tack to stave off their hunger.
Gnawing on the unyielding dry rations, Wesley turned to Thal. "Does the treasure map indicate the specific location of the cavern on the mountain?"
Thal shook his head. "No, but it must be somewhere on this peak. Who knows, we may be standing right above it as we speak. We have time, so we'll search it out gradually."
Uni chimed in, "Does the map at least describe any distinguishing features of the cavern? Otherwise, we may stumble upon the wrong entrance."
Thal replied, "Ah, that part is easy. The map states the cavern's mouth is made of a distinctive green-hued mineral, so it should be quite recognizable."
At this, Charmion suddenly interjected, "Do you know what that green stone is?"
All eyes turned to him.
Charmion spoke in a measured tone, "That stone is a type of magic crystal, called 'green jade.' It happens to be a favored food of several high-level monsters. In fact, the reason monster blood is green is said to be due to their consumption of green jade."
A chill seemed to pass through the group as the mountain wind whipped around them.