Complete 18+ Private Zakaden (Wintersday) Mine Sweets, Mine Precious Sweets

Kamala Graham · Jan 23, 2023

Kamala seconded @Chrys' motion. This was his expedition, and as expedition leader, he should know what to do...right? The wolf looked as dangerous as it was strange. She, too, wondered if it was fragile, if one blow could smash it into pieces, frowning at that sad thought. But then @Ayna Nietzsche stepped in front of her, seemingly to defend her, which the elf found nice...until Ayna ran toward the beast and stabbed it in the face!

"Ayna, wait!"

There was nothing else to do then. One of them had already engaged the predator in battle. That meant they were also all engaged in battle with the creature now. Without really thinking about it, only that her friend needed her, Kamala manifested an illusory field of protection, which was based on the "Garden of Gwyndolainn," around Ayna. That should keep the wolf from getting too close to her!

❰ Field of Fetters ❱

While the spell boosted the magia's defense, it also caused psychic damage to the wolf immediately, as it manifested. The side facing the creature assaulted it with a barrage of illusory leaves while the side facing Ayna brought out the mending spirits of harmonious nature that proceeded to heal her for a bit. Kamala nodded at her friend as the same spirits then flew toward her, coalescing into a mushroom spirit on her head that popped and disappeared in a puff of mending spores.

❰ Gift of Nature ❱

❰ Present Manifested ❱

But the wolf would not be denied, changing course and clawing at the elf who shielded her face with her arm. Kamala yelped in pain as glittering wounds appeared on her arm. The wolf jumped back and growled at the rest of the party, baring its fangs. Due to the same momentum, Kamala fell backward, stumbling over her feet. Ow, ow, ow! Bad dog! Huhuhu!

Rolls

Protect
1d100 (70) + 10 + 20 = 100
100 damage
Give 1 ally (@Ayna Nietzsche) within range the Protected State
Illusion Magic | Kamala Graham | 1549

(F) Infuse
+15 HP to your regeneration, [defense], or [support] action's target(s). (@Ayna Nietzsche)
Mend | Kamala Graham

(F) Regeneration
(5 + 4 + 1) = 10
Regenerate 10 HP.
Mend | Kamala Graham

Play Sheet Link

Moonstone Wolf

❰ 5 / 7 ❱

MOONSTONE WOLF
Retaliation Damage: 55
DC: 80
Glittering Wounds. Each attack on a Moonstone Wolf causes a -10 Debuff on the attacker (to a max of -50). To remove the Debuff, the wounds must be flushed by the (Single) Heal or (Single) Power Heal Actions.

Chrys · Jan 23, 2023

Sonova...! As expected, @Ayna Nietzsche bolted into the fray. A part of Chrys wanted to scream at her for being a fool, but the other part? He understood her. Somehow. All she wanted to do was keep them safe. There were much better, much safer ways to do that but maybe it was the only way she knew how. How could he blame her then, when he would do the same in the real world for Song?

Don't let it bite you? Duh! He turned to his men just in time for @Kamala Graham to act swiftly in defense of Ayna. Chrys was just about to tell them to grab Kamala and find somewhere to hide but was apparently too slow, so instead, he just nodded at them, gesturing for them to hide behind the crystalline trees. Guess it's just the three of us. Again. Chrys wasn't quite sure whether that was a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand, their trio has had their fair share of successful adventures. On the other? They were the worst. Time to rock and roll.

Chrys manifested his Thousand Sparkling Gold through his Auric Geomancy, commanding the very power of earth to create a Stone Stele that burst from the ground underneath the wolf, forcing it back and away from Kamala. The Stone Stele immediately crumbled at the powerful impact, and all that remain of it swirled around Kamala, forming a transparent shield of golden light.

❰ Thousand Sparkling Gold: Power over the Stone ❱

❰ War Pose ❱

The wolf yelped as it hit the ground, slowly getting back to its feet, shaking its head to regain composure. Chrys did not wait for it to clear its head, immediately imposing his taunting aura. Using his Auric Geomancy through Thousand Sparkling Gold, he attracted the predator's attention, making himself look like he was the bigger threat by manifesting a raging bull demon around and over him.

"Hey, Scooby Doo! Velma called. She said something mean but the viewers didn't like it. Come at me, bro. I'm gonna ROCK your world!"

❰ Extreme Extermination: Demon Taurine Charge! ❱

Taunting (414)

The crystallized wolf was not amused. In Chrys' head, he made up some weird explanation: The wolf had been looking forward to that show but was disappointed with all the hurtful references, so now it was going to hurt Chrys. Only the last part was actually truthful, with the wolf snarling and growling as it rushed the armored adventurer. Chrys managed to push it back with his hands but not before it clawed his face, gifting him with a glittering wound as reward. Fuck! It scratched my face! My beautiful face! Oh, gods, am I gonna look like the reader's mom now?!

Still, that did not stop Chrys from manifesting a protective barrier of barely visible grains of sand and earth through his Auric Geomancy to surround himself and the girls. It was probably useless, but he was panicking internally, even though he looked calm outside. As calm as someone who's face just got clawed by a monster, at least.

❰ Excellent Jade Outshining Eclipses ❱

Rolls

Protect
1d100 (93) + 25 + 20 = 138
138 damage
Give 1 ally (@Kamala Graham) within range the Protected State
Aura | Chrys | 1549

(F) Guardian
Mitigate 15 damage from yourself or allies (@Kamala Graham) when you target them via an action or a BA.
Aura | Chrys

(F) Taunt
(138 * 3) = 414 threat
Chrys

(BA) Savior
Give 3 targets (self, @Ayna Nietzsche, @Kamala Graham) within range 25 to a save roll next cycle.
Aura | Chrys

Play Sheet Link

OOC/Combat Guidelines

There is one Moonstone Wolf.
All rolls must be made in the #rolls channel.

Moonstone Wolf

❰ 4 / 7 ❱

MOONSTONE WOLF
Retaliation Damage: 55
DC: 80
Glittering Wounds. Each attack on a Moonstone Wolf causes a -10 Debuff on the attacker (to a max of -50). To remove the Debuff, the wounds must be flushed by the (Single) Heal or (Single) Power Heal Actions.

Ayna Nietzsche · Jan 24, 2023

Ayna's concern regarding her glittering shoulder wound was momentarily washed away by @Kamala Graham's mystical protection, which earned the elf a grateful nod from the magia. Not only did Kamala protect Ayna but the former also healed the latter. How's that for support? The wolf wasn't too pleased with the elf's efforts, though, and Ayna could only scream in shock and horror when the damned thing clawed at her friend.

"Kamala! Are you all right?"

While @Chrys distracted the creature, Ayna ran toward their fallen third, kneeling beside her with a look of utter heartbreak and immense concern. The magia quickly scanned the elf's body, pinpointing the same glittering wounds on her arm that the magia also received from the same predator but on her shoulder. It dawned on her that the creature didn't need to bite them to inflict the same strange marks on its prey: It just needs to make contact with them. She immediately relayed her observations to Chrys as he shielded her and Kamala.

"It doesn't need to bite you to wound you. All it needs is contact, so you might want to keep your distance. ...keywords are you and your."

Rising up back to her feet after seeing Kamala was fine, the elf could heal or cure herself and others if she so pleased, Ayna focused all her attention on getting revenge. It was her only course of action, the only thing she was ever good at, and gods be damned, this crystallized wolf was going to pay for laying a claw on her elven friend. Time to play dead, bitch. Without another word, Ayna charged at the creature with her spear, stabbing it in close range with relative ease and using her momentum to boost her damage. If the wolf had never suffered a furious unicorn, it has now.

❰ Excellence: Wicked Light ❱

❰ Heavenly Repentance ❱

❰ Shifting Light ❱

But the wolf, it seemed obvious by now, was no ordinary wolf. It was smart. Realizing it could not avoid Ayna's charge, it instead took it and readied a counterattack at the last minute, clawing the magia in the face and adding more glittering wounds to her already failing body. Or at least in theory her body was failing. Magia like her did not run on unlimited power. Sooner or later, she would succumb to all this effort on her part. Need to finish this quickly...

Rolls

Sharp
1d100 (64) + 50 + 30 + 30 = 174 - 10 (Glittering Wounds)
164 damage
Dynamism | Ayna Nietzsche | 1549

(BA) Duelist
+15 bonus damage when you attack an enemy in melee.
Ayna Nietzsche

(F) Momentum
(6 * 5) = 30 bonus momentum damage
Dynamism | Ayna Nietzsche

Play Sheet Link

Moonstone Wolf

❰ 3 / 7 ❱

MOONSTONE WOLF
Retaliation Damage: 55
DC: 80
Glittering Wounds. Each attack on a Moonstone Wolf causes a -10 Debuff on the attacker (to a max of -50). To remove the Debuff, the wounds must be flushed by the (Single) Heal or (Single) Power Heal Actions.

Kamala Graham · Jan 25, 2023

Shielded by @Chrys, Kamala felt a sense of relief that she was still in the fight. @Ayna Nietzsche flocking immediately to her helped. But then she was gone, back to duel with the crystallized predator, and Kamala realized that there was no time for fear or doubts. The battle was still ongoing. People's lives were still danger. I have to do better!

Rising to her feet, the elf closed her eyes and hummed a prayer to plead for help from the mending spirits of harmonious nature. Her call to action was heard rather quickly, and the spirits aided her in manifesting
a powered-up version of the "Garden of Gwyndolainn" to keep her and her friends refreshed and rejuvenated through the shielding barrier, healing them throughout the brief time it persisted. The same spirits flocked to Chrys and Ayna, infusing Kamala's supported allies with more health than they'd know what to do with it. The few that remained with her coalesced into a bigger mushroom spirit that popped itself over her head, disappearing in a puff of mending spores that it showered her with. Thank you, friends!

❰ Supplicant Spell of Support: Compassion ❱

❰ Gift of Nature ❱

❰ Present Manifested ❱

❰ Jade Moonlight ❱

Before Kamala could celebrate with her friends, however, the moonstone wolf tried to bite her for her effort, but Chrys' shield held it back, though barely, and it soon disappeared with the impact. The wolf was too strong, and even though the geomancer's shield prevented its fangs from sinking into the elf's flesh once more, it wasn't enough to completely deter the wolf. Kamala was sent stumbling back at the creature's charge, slipping backward and aggravating her glittering wounds. Gah! It's too feral!

Rolls

AoE Power Heal
2d20 EX (14 + 16 + 11 + 12) + 25 + 20 + 25 = 123 / 3 (0 explosions)
+41 HP to 3 targets (self, @Ayna Nietzsche, @Chrys)
You are Vulnerable.
AoE | Mend | Kamala Graham | 1549

(F) Infuse
+15 HP to your regeneration, [defense], or [support] action's target(s). (+5 HP to @Chrys & +10 HP to @Ayna Nietzsche)
Mend | Kamala Graham

(F) Regeneration
(2 + 1 + 6) = 9
Regenerate 9 HP.
Mend | Kamala Graham
(BA) Regeneration
Regain the rolled HP and grant an ally (@Ayna Nietzsche) the same amount~~, or forgo your own regeneration and grant an ally double the rolled HP~~.
Kamala Graham

(P) Overheal
When receiving heals or healing others, you or your allies may go 40 above their max HP.
Kamala Graham

Play Sheet Link

Moonstone Wolf

❰ 3 / 7 ❱

MOONSTONE WOLF
Retaliation Damage: 55
DC: 80
Glittering Wounds. Each attack on a Moonstone Wolf causes a -10 Debuff on the attacker (to a max of -50). To remove the Debuff, the wounds must be flushed by the (Single) Heal or (Single) Power Heal Actions.

Chrys · Jan 28, 2023

Chrys grew furious as the wolf seemingly ignored his taunting to attack @Kamala Graham, only for the creature to refocus on him after the druid was hurled to the ground. From where he stood, he noticed @Ayna Nietzsche struggling to remain furious. Was she expending too much of her energy? Was it the crystallized wolf's inflicted wounds that were aggravating her energy usage? Whatever it was, he has had...

"Enough!"

Chrys fully extended his hand and his arm to his right side, as rocks and stones slowly gravitated toward the empty space around and over his hand. He glared at the wolf as it realized the rising threat of the geomancer. With a howl, it charged at Chrys, clawing at his chest and biting his shoulder. Still, Chrys did not relent. He simply stood his ground, jaws clenched, and once the Claymore of the First Loyalist (Greatsword) was fully formed around his outstretched hand, he immediately shattered the earth closest to them with the weapon, sending pieces of jagged rock hurtling everywhere.

❰ Sword of No Skill: Tectonic Transformation ❱

The crystallized wolf yelped as he was caught in the powerful blast, the barrage of stones and rocks hitting it everywhere, sending it flying away from Chrys. Even with his own wounds courtesy of the predator, the armored adventurer could not be denied. This was his will, and the very earth around them imposed it. Nothing, not even a wolf made of crystal, can take down this mountain of a man.

Rolls

Burst Attack
19d20 (1 + 19 + 4 + 8 + 4 + 17 + 10 + 7 + 19 + 8 + 1 + 6 + 20 + 19 + 4 + 3 + 6 + 3 + 12 + 3 + 15 + 14 + 3) = 206
206 damage (4 explosions) - 20 (Glittering Wounds) = 186 total damage
You are Vulnerable.
Martial Arts | Chrys | 1549

Play Sheet Link

OOC/Combat Guidelines

There is one Moonstone Wolf.
All rolls must be made in the #rolls channel.

Moonstone Wolf

❰ 2 / 7 ❱

MOONSTONE WOLF
Retaliation Damage: 55
DC: 80
Glittering Wounds. Each attack on a Moonstone Wolf causes a -10 Debuff on the attacker (to a max of -50). To remove the Debuff, the wounds must be flushed by the (Single) Heal or (Single) Power Heal Actions.

Ayna Nietzsche · Jan 31, 2023

Ayna turned to @Kamala Graham to thank her for the healing, but when she saw the wolf try to take her down despite @Chrys' taunting and protection, the Lighting Lancer of the Lament could only clench her jaw. It felt like she'd been doing a lot of that recently, clenching her jaw, among other things. This fucking wolf just won't die!

Then it shifted its attention back to Chrys and tried to pounce on him, only to be sent flying away with the geomancer's signature defensive earth magic. That's it! That's my opportunity! With eyes wide in anticipation, Ayna hurled herself into the air, her spear extended toward the wolf's crystal body, its blade intending to puncture the creature's entire flesh, not unlike those forms one sees in wuxia movies. Got you, you fucking bastard!

❰ Excellence: Wicked Light ❱

❰ Heavenly Repentance ❱

❰ Shifting Light ❱

Ayna connected with her refined attack in mid-air, though she winced in pain when she landed. Her glittering wounds, the crystal wolf's gift to her, had been aggravated yet again, and she also felt her power dwindling some more. If this doesn't end soon, I might be out...

As the wolf made a nasty thud on the ground, it slowly and weakly got back to its feet. The predator stared daggers at Ayna, bits and pieces of it already on the ground, glinting in the sun's rays. Ayna smirked at it as she held her arm, parts of her face and shoulder glinting as well. Although she believed the wounds weren't as bad on her artificial body as they were on Chrys' or Kamala's more organic flesh, it was still annoying. And a little bit painful. Come at me, bro!

Rolls

Sharp
1d100 (4) + 50 + 30 + 30 = 114
114 damage - 20 Glittering Wounds Debuff = 94 damage
Dynamism | Ayna Nietzsche | 1549

(BA) Duelist
+15 bonus damage when you attack an enemy in melee.
Ayna Nietzsche

(F) Momentum
(6 * 5) = 30 bonus momentum damage
Dynamism | Ayna Nietzsche

Play Sheet Link

Moonstone Wolf

❰ 1 / 7 ❱

MOONSTONE WOLF
Retaliation Damage: 55
DC: 80
Glittering Wounds. Each attack on a Moonstone Wolf causes a -10 Debuff on the attacker (to a max of -50). To remove the Debuff, the wounds must be flushed by the (Single) Heal or (Single) Power Heal Actions.

Kamala Graham · Feb 2, 2023

Inspired by the combination attack that @Chrys and @Ayna Nietzsche had just performed, Kamala pulled herself off the ground and joined in. The wolf had picked itself off the ground as well, snarling at the last person to have struck it. With a ferocious howl, it gathered up all its remaining strength and charged at Ayna.

Meanwhile, Kamala still wasn't confident that she'd be able to help that much, so she prayed intimately to Gwyndolainn for her protection to be enough to fend off the crystal wolf...permanently. The god must've heard her prayer then because when Kamala manifested an illusory field of protection around Ayna, her magic surged with more power than normal. The wolf, already in the air, crashed against the shield of vibrant green light surrounding the magia, only for it to explode outward, sending the predator flying back.

❰ Field of Fetters ❱

❰ Gift of Nature ❱

❰ Present Manifested ❱

While both Ayna and Kamala were healed by the elf's magic, the wolf made an ugly thud when its body hit the ground, pieces of it chipped off from the impact. A few seconds of silence drowned the air before the creature started to stir. It tried to push itself off the ground once more but couldn't even budge an inch. Realizing the battle was now lost, it closed its eyes and fell into unconsciousness.

Kamala couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief, plopping herself on the ground as well. She was tired, exhausted even, as if she had just every ounce of energy she had left to make that final hit. The elf stole glimpses of everyone else to make sure they were all all right, and once she was satisfied, she winced at the realization that her wounds were still glittering. Are they going to stay like that forever?

"I-Is everyone all right? What was that... Why was it made of crystals?"

Kamala had her own theory, her own answer to her own question, but she knew deep down she was no scholar. She wasn't as smart as Ayna or as well-versed in geomancy as Chrys. Either of them would know better than her, especially when it came to wolves and crystals. At the moment, she just wanted to catch her breath, to take a quick breather. She deserved a quick rest at least.

Rolls

Protect
1d100 (43) + 10 + 20 = 73
73 damage
Give 1 ally ( @Ayna Nietzsche ) within range the Protected State
Illusion Magic | Kamala Graham | 1549
(Light Armor Ability) Surge
Pick one then copy and paste your choice:
→ +45 to any Xd20 or Xd100 rolls
Kamala Graham | 1549
118 Surged Protect damage - 20 (Glittering Wounds) = 98 total damage

(F) Infuse
+15 HP to your regeneration, [defense], or [support] action's target(s): @Ayna Nietzsche.
Mend | Kamala Graham

(F) Regeneration
(3 + 4 + 1) = 8
Regenerate 8 HP.
Mend | Kamala Graham
(BA) Regeneration
Regain the rolled HP and grant an ally the same amount, ~~or forgo your own regeneration and grant an ally double the rolled HP~~.
Kamala Graham

Play Sheet Link

Moonstone Wolf

❰ 0 / 7 ❱

MOONSTONE WOLF
Retaliation Damage: 55
DC: 80
Glittering Wounds. Each attack on a Moonstone Wolf causes a -10 Debuff on the attacker (to a max of -50). To remove the Debuff, the wounds must be flushed by the (Single) Heal or (Single) Power Heal Actions.

Chrys · Feb 2, 2023

Whoa. Chrys had not communicated with @Ayna Nietzsche what he had planned to do, so he was very impressed when she used the opportunity to chain her move with his, making an unplanned and makeshift combo of sorts. Very impressed. If he wasn't so burdened with his wounds, he would've taken a moment to applaud her.

When the wolf tried to get its revenge on Ayna, Chrys started to instinctively call upon his Thousand Sparkling Gold to defend the magia, only for @Kamala Graham to do that herself and also end the wolf's rampage to boot. Damn, these girls are getting stronger by the minute... Soon, they won't even need me anymore...

Warily, Chrys called upon his men but stopped them short of approaching the unconscious wolf. He wasn't sure if it wasn't just playing dead, and he'd rather not sacrifice his lander friends. It would be very impractical for him to risk his loyal henchmen. Poking the wolf a couple of times with his boot, he gave a nod of satisfaction when it didn't respond, truly already out of this conscious world.

"This place has been crystallized, so it would not be impossible to think the creatures that continue to live here have succumbed to such mutations."

It was a lot of words for yeah, I don't even know, but Chrys made do with what he had. Looking around them, it seemed the coast was clear of any more predators. He heaved a sigh of relief. They got lucky, it seemed. Another crystallized wolf and they'd probably wish they were one of those people that didn't celebrate the holidays. Not a bad option right about now. But he digressed.

They were close, he could feel it in his bones. All they had to do was push forward. The mysterious mine of edible ores was in their reach!

"We can rest if you'd like? It shouldn't be long now... The mine should be somewhere close."

He offered them the option of a quick rest, which he also actually needed but would never admit. Both Ishmael and Gio meanwhile started gawking over the remains of the crystallized wolf, now as harmless as a goldfish in the desert. Should they return here, they would be better prepared. If ever.

Ayna Nietzsche · Feb 4, 2023

Ayna kept her steely gaze on the crystallized wolf as it hurled itself toward her. She was more than ready to roll back when it made contact, to use its own momentum to survive its wrath. Come on, you dumb animal! Hit me with your best shot! To her surprise, however, vibrant green light suddenly surrounded her, punishing the wolf before it could strike Ayna.

What came next wasn't that much of a surprise to the magia: @Kamala Graham's healing magic replenished Ayna's health bar, gifting her more relief than anything possibly could. Well, apparently except for the crystallized wolf's end, which the elf's protection had also guaranteed. Whoa. Talk about making her mark. That final hit was everything, including a chef's kiss.

"You okay?"

Hearing @Chrys' explanations and suggestions, Ayna decided to make her way next to Kamala, plopping herself on the ground right next to her. She could her energy slowly stabilizing, though, maybe even slowly going up. They were out of the fire and the frying pan now. But maybe it'd be too reckless to stay there, rest up, where they had just been attacked. Who knows if something else comes next, something stronger and more dangerous than a single crystallized wolf?

"Yeah, a quick rest would be nice, but maybe not here? Might not be safe."

She waited for someone else, anyone else, to agree with her and was already ready to make haste somewhere else to camp for a while, but if none would, if everyone wanted to just stay there where they were and risk it, she wouldn't mind, though she wouldn't argue with them either. Chrys and his men could keep watch while she and Kamala would rest. That's what they were good for.

How do we get rid of these wounds, though? Ayna frowned as she caught a glimpse of her glittering shoulder.

Kamala Graham · Feb 9, 2023

Kamala offered @Ayna Nietzsche a warm smile, a reassurance that she was indeed okay. They've been through worse, both in-game and out there in the real world. A couple of crystallized wolf bites and scratches were easy pickings. Noticing their wounds were still glittering, however, the elf gestured for the magia to stay seated while she healed her with nature's mending magic.

"I'm fine, Ayna... Let me help you with that."

Once Ayna's wounds were flushed, Kamala rose back to her feet and made her way to @Chrys, gesturing for him to let her do her magic. Once he allowed her to, his glittering wounds should be just as gone as Ayna's were. Then, only Kamala's would remain. Fortunately, she could heal herself, too. It's situations like this where she feels quite important, not as useless as when they were fighting things.

"Maybe we can set up camp somewhere closer toward the mine? At least somewhere farther from here, somewhere much safer?"

Kamala echoed Ayna's concerns, though she submitted her suggestions to the rest of the crew, mostly Chrys and his men. She had faith they would be able to protect each other together, just as they had done not too long ago, but she was also worried that the wolf may not have been alone. One was enough. A pack would be too much.

Chrys · Feb 12, 2023

Finally, the wounds were gone! Chrys couldn't put into words how relieved he was when Kamala's healing magic got rid of them for him. It was like the entire world was lifted from his massive, beefy shoulders. The feeling was akin to having your supposed baby momma be proven wrong by a DNA test: "No, Shauna, it's not his kid!" His elation was at an all-time high, though his appearance hid that from everyone else.

Instead, what everyone else saw was his approval of the girls' suggestion. He turned to both them, one at a time, then at his men, both at the same time, before expressing his agreement with the more important beings in this play: the Starcalled.

"Fair enough. Let's set camp closer to the mines. Should be much safer there than here. At least there would probably be less crystal wolves with less crystal fruits."

Once they were all ready and prepared, Chrys led the expedition away from Eve's Grove to the Ratan Mines. Much can be said about the mines posing more danger than the grove, but they weren't intending to camp inside them. Outside would be best, just far from any logical reason for crystal wolves to congregate while still retaining an open field and a good view of where they were. Once again, he was going to take the first shift. The rest could debate with each other on which shift they'd want to take.

Ayna Nietzsche · Feb 16, 2023

"Thank you, Kamala. I'm glad you're all right."

Ayna smiled at @Kamala Graham as the elf healed her, feeling relieved when her glittering wounds were flushed out by Kamala's magic. She was a little worried that it would prove to be quite the baggage as they continued their expedition, and while she was a little surprised that Kamala's healing magic was able to purge them from her system, she was more than a little glad it was just done and over with.

Another thing she was thankful for was Kamala agreeing with her suggestion. It meant that @Chrys was overruled unless his lander men voiced out their support for him, which would have definitely happened but with little purpose, as the girls were the join who fought the creature and needed the rest. Fortunately for her, Chrys didn't put up much of a fight. Calmer heads prevailed, and they all went the smarter route of getting the hell out of there.

Once camp was set up, Ayna rested with Kamala, sharing a tent with her. Chrys was going to take the first shift, he told them, and the magia volunteered to take the third. His men were going to fill up the rest of the shifts.

"You sure you're all right, Kam? I'm here if you want to talk about...anything, really."

They had time to spare, she reckoned. Why not spend it talking to each other, sharing stuff, and doing the things the elf would like? Ayna owed her that much. That crystal wolf was a pain in the butt to deal with, and without Kamala's support, it would have been a much worse ordeal.

Kamala Graham · Feb 19, 2023

Kamala didn't hesitate to return @Ayna Nietzsche's smile. Yet, as soon as they were alone in that shared tent, the elf couldn't help but frown in concern. There was only one wolf back there, crystallized as it may have been, and all three of them still had to work hard to take it down. What would be waiting for them in that mine? Would it be stronger monsters? Would they survive?

"Huh? O-Oh, I'm f-fine, Ayna... Just thinking, that's all."

Kamala tried her best to placate Ayna's concern with a warm smile, though the dark thoughts lingered in her head. Would she be enough to keep them all alive? Would she have to see her friends die in front of her? She's already seen Ayna die once. She wasn't sure if she's ready to see that again.

"...I'm worried about you, and Chrys... I'm not sure if I'll be enough to keep both of you safe. I don't want either of you to get hurt..."

It wasn't Kamala's burden to carry alone, but she still did. The lives, the safety, of her friends weighed heavily on her mind and shoulders. If she could, she would sacrifice herself to keep them safe, and she's shown that time and time again with neither hesitation nor ulterior motives. But how long can she do that? How far can she go to see them well? She had doubts she'd be able to succeed if that earlier fight was anything to go by. In a word? Kamala was...afraid.

Chrys · Feb 20, 2023

The first shift was...pretty boring af. Not much happened. With no crystal fruits around their campsite, no crystal creatures accidentally walked into them. There was zero motivation for non-hostile, non-predatory monsters to attack them. That and his defensive outcrops helped. Note to self: Almost make defensive outcrops to trick monsters into thinking where I am is a no-go zone.

Apart from Ishmael's snoring, Chrys could hear nothing else. Well, nothing that loud. There were murmurs in the girls' shared tent, but he focused on not eavesdropping on their conversation. The last thing he wanted was to suffer a repeat of grade school, when he accidentally heard girl stuff in the toilet. That memory made him shudder for a second before he shook his head, chasing those dark memories away.

Soon, his watch was over. A yawning Ishmael took over, bidding him good night and good sleep. He reckoned Gio might take the third watch or maybe Ayna. Regardless, they were pretty much safe where they are. For now anyway. That mysterious mine of edible ores still waited for them. With such a strange and useful bounty, surely something else would be guarding it, right? Something dangerous? We'll deal with it when we get there. Chrys yawned before closing his eyes, lulling himself to sleep in his own tent.

Ayna Nietzsche · Feb 22, 2023

Ayna was touched by @Kamala Graham's words. If it were any other person, she wouldn't have given it any second thought. Some mere flattery by someone who needed something from her was all it would have been. But this was Kamala, and Kamala always meant what she said, especially when it mattered.

"Aww, come here, you silly bunny!"

With a smile, she urged the elf to come closer for a hug. When Kamala would surrender to her tight embrace, the magia would give her a quick smooch on the head. The elf was warm. Both inside and out. Ayna loved that about her.

"Don't worry about it too much, okay? That mountain man and I are tough. We may get hurt but we always get back up. Besides, you're enough. You always are."

You will always be enough. She gave her head another smooch and chuckled. Soon, sleep will take over them. They would need all the rest they could get. Tomorrow's going to be another day exploring the dangers of this new world, all to find a mine born of rumors and hearsay. I'm gonna strangle @Chrys if this doesn't end well.

Kamala Graham · Feb 23, 2023

With zero hesitation, Kamala scooted closer toward Ayna for that sweet, warm embrace. She felt her worries slowly dissipate, her heart growing at the comfort her friend was showering her with. Doing these things for others was always Kamala's thing, but receiving them made it all the more wonderful for the elf. Watch over your friends. Even the kindest ones, those few that you rarely see cry or frown, always smiling and laughing, need a hug or two back as well.

"Aww, thank you, Ayna! That means a lot."

Kamala sniffed, trying to fight her nonsensical tears back. She wasn't quite sure why her body felt like crying. All she was sure about was that she needed this confirmation, this support, and as the rest of her felt weak inside Ayna's tight hug, she could feel her insides melt at having been relieved of her fears and concerns. It was most likely a temporary respite from all the paranoia and the panic, sure, but it was a dang good one.

"You're amazing, all right? Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. You're the best. I'm so lucky to have you met guys."

In the sanctuary of Anya's arms, Kamala found herself slowly being lulled to sleep. She felt herself safe in that embrace, as if nothing terrible would happen to her and to them ever again. Her eyes soon closed without her even noticing, her mind drifting into dreamland, all while a sincere smile found its way on her lips. She would be dreaming the sweetest dreams tonight. She always done when her friends were safe and happy!

Chrys · Feb 27, 2023

Once everyone was ready, the expedition left their makeshift camp and went on its way to its final destination. Chrys led everyone using the same map from before, with Gio and Ishmael doing their part to guard the girls and even scout ahead when they could. It didn't take the group long before they arrived at a mine entrance semi-hidden by overgrowth. Chrys asked his men to be very careful as they got rid of the vines and leaves and twigs that covered the entrance.

"Looks like we've hit the jackpot. Don't celebrate too early, though. We still need to find the specific mine. Everyone, watch each other's backs."

Once again, Chrys led the group into the mines. They seemed abandoned, and the very network that connected the mines was partially overtaken by crystals. Maybe even more so. The guys made sure to gesture to the ladies to keep their hands off the massive crystal clusters surrounding the entrances as they moved deeper and deeper into the mines. Fortunately for them, the tunnels inside remained somewhat clear, perhaps another set of miners or merchants had previously dug them out.

Ishmael was the first to notice the signs of a makeshift camp but Gio was the one who pointed out the actual thing, much to the former's chagrin. Chrys wondered if the miners who braved the dangers down here survived. Maybe some of them even made it back to the outpost? It was a noble and hopeful thought, which he immediately shrugged off.

He had to get his head in the game, Chrys reminded himself as he ignored the rare crystals they passed by through the crystalline mine shafts, his whole focus on the mysterious mine with the edible ores he had set out to find.

Ayna Nietzsche · Feb 28, 2023

When morning came, Ayna tried to continue sleeping in but failed. She had never been a morning person, but @Kamala Graham was, and part of her regretted sharing a tent with the elf. Yawning, she pulled herself together, and though she was slow and subconsciously trying to rebel, she did manage to get herself ready for what could be the final phase of their expedition.

@Chrys' boys were good at what they did, but Ayna was simply better. Well, in terms of scouting ahead at least. The Lightning Lancer of the Lament was as fast as, well, lightning. She zoomed to and fro the paths before them, the paths they had yet to take, and made sure the entire party would not be ambushed. When caught sight of the cave entrance, she was perplexed, so she ran back to the people more knowledgeable about this shit than her and told the man with the map about what she had found.

"I think I found something. You guys might want to see this..."

She ran back to the cave entrance, doing a couple of runarounds to check for any sign of danger, an ambush, or traps, but found nothing of the sort. She managed to run back to the rest of the party, and much slower this time, led them to her find.

Inside the mines, she kept her hands to herself. Or to Kamala. Whichever was more convenient. The rare crystals didn't really seduce her that well. To Ayna, they were just...rocks. She could find better ones on the surface. They didn't even seem to resonate with her artificial body, so definitely not magic ones. They could have been expensive and Ayna would just ignore them. All she cared about was their usefulness to her, and at the moment, she failed to see any point in sneakily grabbing them.

Kamala Graham · Mar 1, 2023

Kamala did try her best not to wake @Ayna Nietzsche but her best clearly wasn't enough. She always tried to walk on eggshells around everyone, mostly because she never wants to inconvenience a friend or anyone else for that matter. But what good will it do anyone to sleep in any way, right? It was a brand new day, a great day, and there was an adventure to be had! Ayna needed to wake up early this time around!

"Rise and shine, Ayna! Sorry to wake you up so early in the morning, but it's a beautiful morning, and we have to go, go, go!"

She tried her best to make it up to her as well with a warm hug before heading out with the entire party. Kamala made sure she would not be far behind. She had no intention to stray far from the rest of their group and get lost. Despite Ayna running around the place, the elf stuck to her guns and stayed in between @Chrys and his men. When Ayna brought them to the cave entrance, Kamala volunteered to help get rid of the overgrowth around it.

"Let me help!"

Kamala chanted a spell as she asked the nature spirits to help them, hands over her heart. As the elf glowed a light shade of green, so did the vines and the leaves around the cave entrance. Carefully, they moved themselves, out of the adventurers' way. At least that's how it looked to most of them, to anyone without Spirit Magic. In actuality, the sprites of the overgrowth came forth and did all the dirty work.

Once the entrance was cleared, Kamala heaved a sigh of relief and bid goodbye to the helpful spirits.

"There we go! Thank you, friends!"

Like Ayna, Kamala didn't really touch anything else inside the caves. She wasn't fueled by greed, far from it, so there was no sense of urgency within her to take the rare crystals. She was just there to help a friend, and she made sure to do so whenever she could. Her full attention was on everyone else's safety, a healing spell ready should anyone need it. Gotta keep my wits about me in here! Hope no one's life gets endangered... But I'm ready to help if anything weird happens!

Chrys · Mar 3, 2023

The journey was long and hard. ~~That's what she said.~~ It wasn't a walk in the park either. Chrys had tried his best to keep everyone safe, to expect more danger ahead of them, but the deadliest thing they encountered while sneaking through the mines was the prospect of getting lost and never seeing daylight ever again. They were lucky. They were lucky as fuck this time around.

Together, the party found themselves traversing through the labyrinthine tunnels, from room to room, wary of any lurking monsters that they might come across. Chrys had his massive greatsword ready. He didn't need to rummage for rocks to throw at anyone or anything. The tunnels, the mines, were his source for rocks. He was in his element. If he was a boss monster, or whatever, this would be his lair.

His boys were already sweating before they reached the final tunnel, but none of them voiced their suggestion to just give up. They were thinking about it, but they were also thinking about how Chrys was 100% into this whole edible ores thing. It could have been a lie, a story, a wild goose chase, but as Chrys was about to open his mouth, there it was. The goddamned mysterious mine with the goddamned edible ores. He had never seen anything like it. Gio and Ishmael had never seen anything like it. The goddamn ore veins were green, red, and white. Like goddamned peppermint shit.

"Holy fucking shit, I think we found it. We actually fucking found it."

Chrys could not keep himself from fucking swearing. It was a miracle, one that he did not actually expect. As much as he was obsessed with this expedition, a part of him was sure they'd just check the final tunnel out and then leave empty-handed. But as Gio and Ishmael screamed in excitement, jumping up and down in place, so too was Chrys' mind blown.

"Holy fucking shit, guys! We're rich!"

Chrys turned to the girls and hugged them both at the same time. @Kamala Graham smelled like peace and hope and that kind of shit while @Ayna Nietzsche was as hostile as ever. But Chrys didn't care. He let them go as quickly as he had grabbed them, returning his full attention to the mine that Gio and Ishmael had already begun to work on. Holy fucking shit, we actually did it!

Complete 18+ Private Zakaden (Wintersday) Mine Sweets, Mine Precious Sweets

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