Olivia and Bell walked through the garden with Olivia's hand resting on Bell's arm. They walked on the stone path while looking at a beautiful combination of flowers.
"So, it seems we're considering becoming life mates, right?"
"If you wish," said Bell.
"What do you wish?"
"I dream of wandering the world, capturing the beauty around me through sketches and paintings. The idea of living freely, and following my passions, feels like a distant fantasy. Even if you don't choose me, I know someone will eventually. My mother is determined; in our family, men don't hold much value, especially a runt like me. She will eventually sell me off sooner or later."
What if I told you that all I really need from you is companionship? I'm weary of solitude and crave the company of someone I can talk with. You're one of the most pleasant individuals I've encountered, and I'd love to share my adventures with you. You can sketch and paint to your heart's content, and dive into your books, but all I ask is for you to join me occasionally for some pleasant conversations," said Olivia
"I...would like that very much," said Bell while resting his other hand over her hand wrapped around his elbow.
They engaged in conversation for some time, covering a variety of subjects, and found themselves at ease with one another, even in moments of quiet. A mutual interest flickered between them, accompanied by a sense of serene contentment. By the time they chose to return from their stroll, four hours had slipped by, yet they were eager to continue their time together. When the two of them parted, Bell took hold of Olivia's hand and kissed the top of it.
After completing their shopping, they decided to spend the night in their carriage. The following day, they were all set to embark on a new adventure, with Bell now part of their crew. Before departing, the heroes inquired about the woman they had encountered in the dungeon, only to discover she was a notorious cannibal. It was fortunate they hadn't simply released her without a second thought.
They journeyed for hours, guided by Pyr, who had a knack for detecting the shard of the Subjugation Stone. He steered them away from the town and deeper into a forest, pushing onward until they found themselves in a desolate area, climbing a steep sandy hill. With each step, the spider legs had to pierce through the sand to reach the earth beneath. Eventually, they reached the summit of a massive sand dune, where a ten-foot-wide hole awaited them at the center. They disembarked from the carriage and peered into the abyss, unable to discern its depths.
"Are you sure the shard is down there?" said Amy.
"As sure as we can be, Pyr is directing us. He says he can sense it deep in there and we'll know when we see it. So who's all coming on your first shard hunting expedition?" said Inga.
"I'm going," said Paul enthusiastically while Brian shrugged his shoulders and agreed to come too.
"I don't think I should go with my back the way it is," said Nick.
"Don't worry, I'll install the weight relief scroll you bought and your back will be as good as new, so you'll be able to come down the hole with us," said Inga.
"Oh goodie, just what I always wanted," said Nick.
"I would like to go if it would be permitted, I'd like to sketch everyone's adventures on this journey," said Bell.
"If Bell is heading out, then I'm going as well," Olivia said.
Eventually, Brian, Amy, Inga, Bell, Olivia, Nick, Aria, Jayla, and Paul set off together, though Jayla was a bit hesitant. She wasn't thrilled about the idea of descending into a hole, but the desire not to be the only one left behind as the others took the plunge ultimately swayed her to join in. "If you decide to sketch me, I want you to make my hair and nails look fabulous even if they don't in real life," said Jayla.
Bell nodded, "I'll remember that," as he packed some art supplies into his small brown backpack, adding a bottle of water. While everyone else relied on their space bracelets for carrying items, he insisted on keeping his art supplies close and wanted to have some water handy as well.
Elek handed out adaptable light shoes and gloves that featured built-in claws, enabling the heroes to grip onto walls with ease. The claws would emerge from the gloves whenever the heroes clenched their fists or curled their toes inside the shoes.
With Inga's help, Nick successfully installed the anti-gravity spell on his back, granting him the freedom to glide around effortlessly. She also advised him to cast a straightforward spell on the rest of the group, which would facilitate their movement for the next eight hours. After ensuring they had food, climbing gear, water, and all necessary supplies tucked away in their bracelets or on their bodies, they were finally ready to go.
The pit loomed ominously, a dark portal to the depths below. The hero's party, sensing the weight of dread, ordered the carriage to extend a thick metal cord from its rear. They secured their harnesses, binding themselves to the cord, and commenced their gradual descent into the murky void. The air was laden with a stale, putrid scent, a haunting reminder of decay and twilight, as they slipped into the shadows. Inga, leading the descent with her flickering flashlight, found the tunnel's gloom impenetrable, the darkness swallowing her light and leaving only uncertainty in its wake. As they ventured deeper into the tunnel, some began to doubt their choice to join the expedition. However, having come this far, they felt compelled to discover what lay at the bottom of the abyss.
Then when they came to the end of the cord, there were three pathways they could take, one to the right, one to the left and one slightly to the right, but mostly down. They decided to cautiously go to the right, since they weren't even sure what was down here. Maybe this was just an abandoned hole, but that didn't seem likely, since the jewel fragments were known to empower monsters, if there was a shard present it likely wouldn't be alone.
They unfastened their harnesses from the cord, and Inga tugged at it twice. The cord recoiled into the shadows. They ventured deeper into the murky tunnel, their flashlights casting feeble beams that flickered against the damp earth. The walls, composed of suffocating dirt, loomed around them, whispering the dread of being entombed alive. They pressed on for thirty feet until they stumbled into an oval chamber, a grotesque amalgamation of soil and jagged rock.
Within this unsettling space, nearly a hundred green insects, grotesquely shaped like oversized pears, writhed in a dance. Each creature was a foot in length, adorned with long, quivering antennae, emitting a piercing, shrill screech that echoed ominously. The floor was a viscous, sticky morass, a treacherous liquid that threatened to ensnare the unwary. As they lifted their feet, a disconcerting tug accompanied the sickening sound of honey clinging to soles, the muck rising ominously to eight inches, repulsive and foul. The neon green bugs squirmed, eager to ascend the heroes, who struggled desperately to free themselves from the clinging sludge.
"Ugh, I can't stand bugs! Somebody get these little monsters outta here! What kind of nightmare am I living in? And what in the world is this sticky mess?" said Jayla.
As they struggled to extricate their feet from the thick, clinging mire, a chilling sound pierced the air—a skittering, like countless tiny claws racing over the damp earth, reverberating through the darkened tunnels. Suddenly, a massive shadow loomed, flickering in the beam of a flashlight, its form twisting and writhing against the walls as it shifted closer. In a desperate surge, Jayla finally freed herself from the suffocating sludge and bolted from the fetid chamber. Paul, a mere breath behind, chased after her, desperate to prevent her from vanishing into the unknown, while the others remained frozen, straining to free themselves as the ominous sound of approaching footsteps drew nearer.
Coming Next Time: The Creatures Underground