In hindsight, this wasn’t exactly what Sorinn expected life as a sellsword would be like.

While there hadn’t been any major wars or crises in over 200 years, there was still a demand for those who knew their way with a sword (mostly among travelers looking for protection out on the roads), and the interest she managed to draw from prospective clients by virtue of being one of the few Drakai to be found so far north of their homeland certainly helped to ensure she had no shortage of work. Even so, she certainly didn’t expect to be doing quite as much relic hunting as she had been recently, though it did at least make for an interesting change of pace.

Can’t complain about the pay, either, Sorinn mused to herself, glancing ahead at her companion Nyriia.

She’d met the Moon Elf around two years ago. Apparently, she had come to the area to conduct “field research” on Taevas ancient history, with a particular interest in the old Elven mage-empire of Ithyria, and had been looking for someone that could provide protection. While the work itself had mostly consisted of scaring off the occasional wild animal while out on an excursion, it at least paid more than her usual work, and the fact that she would cover food and boarding for the both of them was certainly a nice bonus.

It helped that Nyriia herself had made for more interesting company than she’d initially anticipated. Despite coming from an affluent background (as the fine make of her travel clothes and her intricately carved silverwood staff clearly showed), she lacked much of the arrogance and entitlement she’d expected from someone of her background, and was more willing to aid in whatever work needed doing than most of her clients. And while she won’t readily admit it out loud, the conversation was a nice break from the silence she was used to, even if she couldn’t always follow when the subject turned to magic or history.

As they continued to walk, Sorinn took stock of her gear for what must have been the third time this morning: shortsword at her side, shield and spear strapped to her pack, exactly where they’re supposed to be. As she pulled her hand away from her back, she found herself reaching for her horn, unconsciously tracing the marking engraved there with her claws. Before she realised it, she found her thoughts turning back towards home, to her life before she left all those years ago…

To the reason she left to begin with…

No, don’t think about that, Sorinn shook her head, pulling her hand away. She needed something to distract herself from the memories.

“So, how much farther?” Sorinn called ahead to Nyriia.

“The cave should not be much farther now,” Nyriia replied, “and the excavation site should be just a bit farther beyond that.”

“Remind me again why we’re heading into some cave in the middle of nowhere?” Sorinn asked.

“An old colleague of mine has been researching the ruins of an old vault within the Upper Hollows,” Nyriia explained, “Apparently he was close to finally unsealing the entrance according to the letter I received from him a few weeks ago.”

“Well, what do you think’s in there that’s so interesting?” Sorinn asked, “Any lost treasures or the like?”

“Ever the mercenary, are we?” Nyriia replied with a chuckle.

“It’s what you hired me for,” replied Sorinn, a slight smile crossing her snout.

“Fair enough” said Nyriia, “Though yes, that is a possibility, Mar’s description indicates it may have served as a repository for relics, some of which may be Draconic in nature. Perhaps we might even find something of interest to a dragonkin such as yourself?”

“Nah,” replied Sorinn, “I’ll leave the relics and historical discoveries to you, I’d just be happy with a well-made blade or some gold.”

“Noted,” Nyriia replied with a smile. As they reached the crest of a hill, Nyriia turned her attention to the valley below. “Ah, there we are,” she pointed out a spot a short distance away.

Following Nyriia’s gaze, Sorinn spotted their destination; the entrance to a small cave, nestled between some large stones at the foot of a small hill. If they hadn’t been actively looking for it, she was sure she would have missed it entirely. I guess it’s as good a spot as any if you don’t want to draw too much attention, she thought to herself as they approached the cave mouth.

As they passed through the cave entrance, Nyriia paused, eyes closed in concentration. A moment later, the moonstone in her staff began to glow with a gentle, steady light, illuminating the dark passage ahead. As they made their way down the passage, Sorinn drew her blade and readied her shield, eyes scanning the surrounding darkness for any signs of danger. While she preferred to use her spear, the tight quarters of the tunnel would have limited her maneuverability.

“While I appreciate your preparedness, I am certain we will not encounter any dangers on this excursion,” Nyriia said reassuringly. Her pale, almost silvery skin seemed to glow in the light from her staff in contrast to her long, dark hair.

“Can’t be too careful,” Sorinn replied, her black scales almost blending into the surrounding shadows, save for a patch of dark yellow scales on her neck and below her jaw, “Especially in a place like this. I heard some strange creatures like to make their home in these tunnels.”

“True, though the more dangerous such creatures prefer to dwell further below ground,” said Nyriia, “Unless we run afoul of a bear den down here, I believe we should be safe.”

“Well, that’s reassuring,” Sorinn replied dryly, “I take it you’re speaking from experience?”

“No, though I have read a few tomes on the wildlife and geography of the Hollows,” Nyriia answered, “Perhaps someday I might return here for a more in-depth study of the region.”

The two of them continued in relative silence for a short distance. Eventually, they came up to an opening in the wall, just wide enough for them to pass through in single file. As Nyriia moved towards the gap, Sorinn extended an arm out in front of her, moving ahead of her as she did so.

“Better let me go first,” Sorinn said, “just in case.”

“Very well,” Nyriia replied, nodding, “lead on.”

With that, Sorinn stepped through the gap, shield held at the ready in front of her, eyes focused on the space beyond the lights edge. She could hear Nyriia following close behind, the rhythmic clicking of her staff accompanying her steps. The narrowness of the passage didn’t leave much space for striking, though at least it meant she only had to worry about trouble coming from one direction. Still, the sooner she can get back into a more open space, the better. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before they emerged into a wider passage, Sorinn relaxing slightly as they entered.

“Are you alright, Sorinn?” Nyriia asked as she approached, “You’ve seemed tense since we came down here.”

“I’m fine,” Sorinn replied, “I just don’t like how closed-in this place is making me feel, or how dark it is here. Keep feeling like something’s watching me down here.”

“I understand your concern, though I don’t believe we should be in any danger here,” Nyriia reassured, “If there were any potential threats here, I’m certain Mar and his associates will have taken care of it by now,” She turned her gaze forward, smiling as something caught her eye, “And I believe we won’t have to worry about the lack of light either.”

Looking ahead, Sorinn noticed a faint blue light a short distance away. As they approached, what appeared to be a small campsite came into view, a small lantern containing a glowing blue crystal sitting in its center. Further ahead, they could spot a few small patches of what appeared to be glowing fungi along the walls, as well as a few more lanterns strung up in a trail.

“The ruins should not be much further ahead now,” said Nyriia, letting her conjured light dim, “Hopefully we are not too far behind.”

As they continued down the trail, Sorinn allowed herself to lower her guard slightly, a little more at ease with the extra light and the knowledge that their underground trek was nearly over. “Whoever built this vault you mentioned must have really wanted to keep people out if they were willing to put it this far out of the way,” she thought out loud as she idly scanned the walls and ceiling of the passage.

“Actually, these ruins may not have initially been constructed down here,” replied Nyrria, “In fact, they may have sunken through the earth above to get here, perhaps as the result of some magical calamity during the fall of Ithyria.”

“You’re telling me there’s magic out there that can do that?” Sorinn asked, her attention snapping back to Nyriia in shock at her statement.

“Indeed,” Nyriia answered, “or at least, there was. The ancient Elves of Ithyria were capable of truly wondrous–and sometimes terrifying–feats of arcane skill.”

“Well, so long as they didn’t leave any unpleasant surprises for us,” Sorinn replied dryly. Whatever ancient magical trickery the builders of that vault may have left behind was the last thing she wanted to worry about now.

The two of them eventually emerged into a much larger cavern, so large that even with the natural light of the nearby fungi and crystals the ceiling was barely visible. However, it was the large gate on the other side of the cave, sculpted from smooth white stone and silvery metal that gleamed in the surrounding light and surrounded by earthen debris, that demanded their attention. More of the lanterns marked a path through the uneven terrain towards the ruins, ending at the gate entrance.

“Well, isn’t that something,” said Sorinn. She had to admit, between its natural features and the comparatively alien structure before them, this place can have some amazing scenery.

“Indeed,” Nyriia agreed, turning her attention towards the gate, “It seems the others have managed to unlock the entrance, we may still be able to catch up with them inside,” she said, heading towards the path.

“You seem rather eager about all of this,” said Sorinn with a slight smile.

“Of course,” replied Nyriia, “This vault has potentially remained completely untouched until now, just think of what could have been kept there! The historical insights in that vault should-”

“Wait!” Sorinn quickly extended her arm out in front of Nyriia, bringing them both to a halt just outside the ruin entrance, “Sounds like something’s happening in there.”

From somewhere within the ruins, a distant commotion could be heard. As she listened, Sorinn managed to pick up the faint sounds of footfalls steadily growing closer, and saw a faint glow begin to appear from further in, steadily growing brighter.

“Do you suppose something happened in there?” Nyriia asked, a slight tinge of concern in her voice.

“I don’t know,” Sorinn replied, already moving into a defensive stance in anticipation, “but we should be ready for anything.”

Nyriia gave an affirmative nod, now holding her staff at the ready. Slowly, they approached the entrance, bracing themselves for whatever may come next.

As they neared the threshold, a pair of small figures suddenly came into view scampering towards the entrance. Three more taller figures soon appeared not long after, one carrying a lantern like the one seen at the camp, clearly in pursuit of them. Sorinn may not have known what to make of all of this, but she’s been in this line of work long enough to recognize trouble when she sees it.

It seemed this job wasn’t going to be without excitement after all.