Homestead Survival

<15 September 2024, GRAND MESA OF SUMMER, A+>
[Theo and Julia]
The group ate breakfast. As they finished up, they started to discuss how things would proceed. Kreldar was providing some pointers.

"I feel like I need to tell ye, that there are a good number of different groups in Clan Molbrak, some of them are a little more aggressive than others. I'd recommend only bringing who ye' need to."

"I don't get to see your home?" Sarah asked from her seat next to Kreldar.

Kreldar shook his head, "Not this time. My people are... hard-headed to say it nicely."

Sarah looked sad, but nodded in understanding. Velna spoke up, "I'll be staying back as well, so we can do something if you want, Sarah."

"I think," Theo said, looking at everyone, "Kreldar, Ordus, Joshua, and Fred should come with Julia and me. Velna, Renno, and Sarah can stay behind."

"I might have someone who will come say hi as well to check on you all", Julia said, and Theo felt a pulse of energy rush away from her as she utilized her Message skill.

They all nodded, and those who would be leaving started packing what they needed. The rest of the day was quickly spent preparing. As the sun started to set, and they all gathered once more for dinner, a blue door appeared. Through it stepped Sylvi.

Sylvi walked over to Theo and Julia. Theo smiled. "Hey Sylvi, how are you?"

Sylvi shrugged, "Fine. My siblings have been trying to be nicer after my father and stepmother had a rather long discussion with them, but they still don't like me."

Julia nodded and stood to hug the young woman. "I am glad that you could come. I really appreciate it."

Sylvi smiled, "I am glad to help."

Suddenly, a small voice spoke from behind Sylvi. "Wow, you have horns and they are so pretty!"

Sylvi turned to see Sarah staring up at her. Sylvi lowered her head so that it was on a level with Sarah. "Do you want to touch them?"

Sarah reached up and gently stroked one of the horns. "Wow. Are you a unicorn!"

Sylvi and Julia both started laughing. Sylvi shook her head, "No, I am a dragon."

"Aren't Dragons scary, though?" Sarah said, unsure.

Joshua squatted down to be eye level with his daughter. "You know how we talked about things changing from how they used to be?"

Sarah nodded, Joshua continued, "Well, in the stories that we used to read, the dragons were bad, but in this new world we are living in, I think that you have to treat Dragons like anyone else and decide if they are good or bad for yourself."

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Sarah got a very serious look on her face as she nodded and then looked up at Sylvi, "Are you a bad dragon?"

"I think that I am good. I promise that I will be good to you." Sylvi said with a smile. She took the two proffered Sigil Lexicons from Julia. "I will even help you learn something new and cool if you want."

Sarah stared at her for a second, then smiled wide with innocence as only children can, "Okay!"

The two of them wandered off. Joshua watched them go. "Is she really a dragon?"

"She is," Theo confirmed, "a great granddaughter of Patriarch Karzun who, based on what he has said, is a literal god, or at least a divine being. She is a good person; she protected Julia."

Julia nodded, "I thought that even though they are not the same age, Sylvi wouldn't mind helping to entertain her."

"But Sarah will be safe with her?" Joshua asked.

"We have never asked what her level was, but I think that she will be just as safe with Sylvi as she would with all of us here", Theo said reassuringly.

Joshua deflated and nodded before wandering away.

That night, Kreldar offered his bed to Sylvi, choosing to work on a complete list of materials he hoped to help Theo and Julia get from his people.

<16 September 2024, GRAND MESA OF SUMMER, A+>
[Theo and Julia]
They woke early and ate in a sleepy haze. As the sun started to crest the horizon, they set out. Theo, Julia, Fred, Joshua, Kreldar, and Ordus started out as Renno, Velna, Sylvi, and Sarah waved them off.

The first branch of their trip was not an issue. They made it onto the main mesa and were working their way down the side of the mesa when a group of large goblins appeared. They saw Theo and Julia, watched them for about ten minutes, then vanished back into the trees.

They made it to the path that the massive bat-like creatures were on and stopped for lunch. After eating, they moved quickly and quietly down the trail, made it onto the valley floor, and were greeted by a familiar message.

<THE VALLEYS OF AR'HA'NURA, A->

They started through the trees, Kreldar leading the way. Another three hours, and they were at the bridge that had been under construction when Theo and Julia were there. Now it was complete, and two dwarves stood guard.

As they approached, two wicked-looking halberds were lowered towards them, and one of the guards called out. "TRAGH ZÛR, ZEK'AH GORIM'NOR!"

Kreldar spoke back. "DUR KARNÛRNIM KHÛRZ, VALDÛRN'NOR KARNÛRN'THALD ZÛRZÛL DAUNWOG'VALDÛRN."

The guards paused, and a pulse of energy rushed away from them. Theo raised an eyebrow at Kreldar. Kreldar shrugged with a 'what can you do' expression, but they waited.

A moment later, a familiar face approached. Theo smiled as the young man approached. "Harbek! It's good to see you again."

A pulse of energy rushed out from Harbek.

>Local Message: Universal Translation Active

"Lord and Lady Sorrin, Majordomo, Crafts Dwarf Underbrace, and others. Welcome to the holdings of Clan Molbrak." Harbek said formally. Then he relaxed and smiled at Theo, "And it is good to see you as well, Lord Sorrin."

Theo and Julia smiled at the young man. "Well then, lead on, Harbek, we will follow where you lead."

Harbek and Kreldar led them along a well-made road that took them right to the edge of an absolutely massive pit that had a road working its way down the side. They spent the next while walking down the road. When they reached the bottom of the pit, they found themselves in a massive cavern.

Harbek, who had been reactivating his skill as often as he could, triggered it again.

>Local Message: Universal Translation Active

"Clan Molbrak welcomes you once again, Lord and Lady Sorrin." He said with a deep bow.

Theo and Julia stepped under the overhang that was the land above and were greeted with a notification.

<1st SUBTERRANE, MOLBRAK CAVERN, A>