The world of Taeva is a wondrous place, filled with magic and adventure, strange beasts and daring heroes. Or at least, that’s how the stories Kihra was so fond of made it sound.

Of course, this far below the surface, stories are one of the few things Kihra can go off of when talking about the world above. Not that she minded, they certainly helped liven up the mundanity of her daily routine. She adored hearing tales of great heroes, of the distant lands they’ve seen, and the many adventures they’ve had. Sometimes, she’d imagine herself in those stories, going on grand adventures and seeing the world.

Of course, being a Kobold, such things would be unlikely to ever happen. While her kind share many commonalities with the ancient Dragons that once ruled the world, at least in appearance, they were considerably smaller and weaker than them (and most of the other peoples of the surface, in all honesty), making many of them hesitant to venture too far from their warrens, let alone go on any sort of adventures. Still, Kihra held out some hope that things might turn out a bit differently in her case. Even if she never went on an actual adventure in her life, just meeting an actual adventurer in person, or even just seeing the surface for herself, would be enough for her-

“Kihra!”

She snapped out of her daze with a start, normally droopy ears perking up reflexively at the sound of her master’s voice from the other chamber and almost dropping the book in her hands.

“Coming” she called back. Twenty winters, and she’s still fantasizing about adventures that may never happen. Sparing one last look at the page that started this latest bout of daydreaming, which contained an image depicting the green hills and fields of the nearby surface kingdom of Myrell, Kihra hurried out of her room into the main chamber, making sure to grab her gathering pouch on the way out.

Emerging into the main chamber of the dwelling, Kihra took a moment to take in her surroundings. The room was sparsely decorated, with a large table able to seat four in the center, and a small area for preparing food across from her. It was there that her master, Mar Veth, stood preparing their breakfast, the smell of mushroom stew carrying across the room. The old Murae turned slightly at the sound of Kihra entering the room, a gentle, knowing smile crossing the gray furred Ratkins face as he saw her.

“Morning Ruby,” Mar greeted, addressing her by the nickname given to her for her red fur, contrasted only by the slightly darker spots on her cheeks and her black horns, “Did you sleep in again? I’ve been calling for you for almost five minutes.”

“No,” replied Kihra. “I was just…reading.” Not entirely untrue.

“Of course,” Mar chuckled, “Come, breakfast is ready.” Kihra quickly took her place at the table (though her height necessitated the use of a small stool to do so), and eagerly dug into her meal.

“So, what piece of literature caught your interest this time, if I may ask?” Mar asked as he took a seat across from Kihra, “Another tale of galant heroism?”

“No,” replied Kihra, “just a book about plants from the Elderwood.”

“Ah, taking more of an interest in botany and herbalism, then?” Mar inquired further.

“No, I just…really liked the pictures,” Kihra admitted. It wasn’t like she had any other way of seeing the surface from here.

“Well, I can’t really blame you,” Mar said, “that region of Myrell is quite picturesque, especially during the spring.” He paused, smiling at Kihra before continuing, “Don’t worry, I’ll still bring you along next time my research takes me up there, if you’re still interested.”

“Yes!” replied Kihra, perhaps a bit more enthusiastically than she might have meant, “I mean, yes, thank you,” She couldn’t help herself, exploring the surface has always been one of her greatest fascinations. It’s what motivated her to accept serving as Mar’s apprentice in the first place. Although, this did bring up something else that’s been on her mind lately.

“Aren’t you going to the ruins again soon?” Kihra asked, a slight edge of excitement in her voice.

The ruins. Mar claimed to have come to the Dark Hollows in search of them, and had finally found them not long after taking her in as an apprentice. She’d never been to see them herself, though she couldn’t imagine why, seeing as they were only a set of stone doors as far as she could tell from the descriptions he shared with her. While venturing up to the surface may still be a ways off for her, perhaps Mar’d be willing not let her accompany him for something a bit closer to home, so to speak.

“Yes,” replied Mar, “though I’m afraid I can’t bring you with me, if that’s what you’re asking.”

Or not.

“Why not!?” Kihra found herself blurting out without thinking, “It’s not not that far, and it’s only an old door.”

“Yes,” said Mar, “though I know nothing of what might be on the other side of it, good or ill. I’d rather not risk your safety bringing you there before you’re ready.”

“But I am ready!” Kihra shot back, “I’ve been practicing every day, I can take care of myself,” While she wasn’t normally prone to such outbursts, her disappointment at being denied overpowered her normally reserved personality. She’d been training to strengthen her spellcasting ability every day for the last two years, absolutely determined to not be left behind the next time Mar ventured out on an expedition. Now, however, it would seem even that wasn’t enough.

“That may be,” said Mar, “but that was against an inanimate practice target that never retaliated. You’re still unprepared for any actual danger that could befall you were you to join me,” He gave her an apologetic look before continuing, “I’m sorry, but my decision is final.”

Kihra slumped dejectedly into her chair, ears drooping sadly. While she still wanted to join Mar on his excursion, it was clear she wouldn’t be winning this argument. She knew this wouldn’t affect his decision to bring her up to the surface with him, though it was still disappointing she wouldn’t be as involved in his future ventures as she had hoped she’d be.

“That being said,” Mar continued, “you have been showing improvement in your spellcasting. Once I’ve finished my business at the ruins, I can start teaching you the more advanced techniques.”

Kihra brightened up a bit at that. While it was still disappointing to know she wouldn’t be going out on any ventures in the foreseeable future, it was still nice having her skills acknowledged.

“Thank you, I’d really like that.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” said Mar. The rest of their meal proceeded uneventfully, with Mar being the first to rise from his seat, “I still have a few things I need to take care of before I set out,” he said as he gathered up their now empty bowls, “would you mind tending to the garden for me when you have the time?”

Kihra gave a quick nod before hopping down from her chair, “I’m just going to practice a bit first, if that’s ok?”

“Of course,” replied Mar, “take as long as you need.”

With that, Kihra headed out the door.

The dwelling Kihra and Mar called home was a small building, consisting of the main chamber she just exited and two rooms for herself and her master, and the outside area was no different. Just off to the side of the entrance was a modestly sized garden patch currently being used to grow several flat, wide-brimmed mushrooms (one of the few things that can be reliably grown here below the surface). Continuing past, Kihra headed towards the training area, a spot just a short distance from the dwelling, empty save for a few wooden posts and some small stones. Since she began apprenticing under Mar, she’d made a point of coming here every day to hone her spellcasting ability.

Taking up her spot before a well worn post with a few scorch marks, Kihra took a deep breath to compose herself, extended her hands in front of her, closed her eyes, and focused. In her mind, she pictured a small, controlled flame, like that of a bonfire, holding on to the image until she began to feel a growing warmth between her palms. Opening her eyes, she was pleased to see a small flame, barely bigger than a fist, floating between her hands. Turning her attention towards the post, she willed the flame to fly forwards, thrusting her hands forward for emphasis, and was rewarded with the sight of her newly-formed fireball flying away from her and striking the post, dispersing on contact. 

While she couldn’t gauge how much damage her spell did, she still felt a small surge of pride at the accuracy of her shot. She’d certainly come far since she first began her training, when she could barely conjure a flame larger than a candle light that sputtered out after a few seconds. Of course, Mars words from earlier still rang in her head. If she doesn't want to be left behind, she’ll need more than just a simple firebolt and barrier spell.

I’ll just have to keep training then, Kihra resolved, already readying another firebolt.

She didn’t know how long she’d been practicing before she heard the sound of approaching footsteps. Turning towards the source of the sound, Kihra was greeted by the sight of a familiar figure approaching, their green skin, large yellow eyes, and large bat-like ears identifying them as a Goblin. As they drew closer, Kihra noticed the distinctive pair of Arcanists goggles on their head, her mood brightening at the sight of a friendly face.

“Good day Meenka!” Kihra called out.

“G’day, uh, Kihra, right?” replied Meenka, earning an affirmative nod from her.

Meenka Nalaxi. Kihra had only met her a few times before, but she enjoyed the few times they’ve been able to talk. Whenever Meenka came by to drop off supplies, she always seemed to have a story to share, and given her claims of being a treasure hunter, she had many. Just knowing that someone like Meenka was able to achieve such success was enough to give her hope that one day, her adventurous aspirations might be fulfilled too.

“So, what are you up to?” Meenka asked, “More training?”

Kihra proudly nodded, “Yep, I have to if I want to get any better at using magic. Master Mar said he’ll teach me more advanced techniques soon.”

“Ah, I see,” Meenka replied, pausing to glance at their dwelling, “Speaking of which, is he still here?”

“Yeah, he’s going out to the ruins again soon, he’s just getting some things ready,” Kihra answered as she turned back to continue her practice. As she readied another firebolt, something occurred to her, “Wait, you don’t have a pack with you today, weren’t you bringing some supplies for him?”

“Nah, don’t need to,” replied Meenka, “we already have everything ready at the site, I was just coming by to let him know we can start tomorrow.”

“Huh!?” Kihra started at the news, the flame between her hands immediately going out as she lost her concentration, “Wait, you’re going with him?” she questioned, her attention now fully focused on Meenka.

“Yep, my crew and I are gonna be helping with explorin’ whatever’s on the other side of that door, and movin’ whatever we find inside. Feel like we’re close to a breakthrough,” replied Meenka with a smile, though it quickly  faded into a look of puzzlement when she saw how shocked Kihra was at her statement, “I thought you were in on it, aren’t you coming with?” She asked.

Kihra sadly shook her head in response, “No, Master Mar said I’m not ready to join him on one of these yet.”

At this, Meenka gave a small shrug, “Eh, makes sense, might be a bit much for you as you are.”

“Well, you’re not that much stronger than me, or taller,” Kihra responded somewhat indignantly. She expected Meenka to give such a response, but it still stung a bit when she put it so bluntly.

“True,” replied Meenka, “but I do have more experience at this than you, seeing as I kinda do this for a living.”

Of course, Meenka’s been going on excursions like this since before she’d met her, despite being not that much older than her, while Kihra had been stuck here in this quiet, out of the way part of the Hollows for the last two years focused on chores broken up by practicing some basic spells for defence. Her dreams of going on an adventure were looking further and further away, it seems.

“Oi, chin up,” said Meenka, gently laying an encouraging hand on Kihra’s shoulder, “you’ll get a chance at your own adventure someday, I know it.”

While she was still disheartened, Kihra returned Meenka’s encouragement with an appreciative smile, “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?” she questioned half-jokingly.

“Nope,” returned Meenka with a  wide, toothy grin, “I absolutely mean it. When your chance comes, you’ll know it when you see it.”

Kihra beamed at the encouraging words. Unlike her, Meenka had no ability to use magic, and was still able to make a name for herself. If she believed that she could make it as an adventurer, even if it was ages from now, perhaps her chances weren’t as slim as they appeared. Clearly Mar felt the same way, given his willingness to bring her up to the surface with him and teach her more advanced magics. Kihra felt rather silly for her brief bout of self-doubt taking all of this into consideration.

“Thanks,” Kihra replied, smiling, “that really means a lot.”

“Ah, don’t mention it,” returned Meenka, turning to head towards the dwelling, “C’mon, let’s not keep Mar waiting.”

“Right,” Replied Kihra, quickly following after her.

It didn’t take long before the two of them were back at the front door, Kihra leading Meenka inside.

“Master, we have a visitor!” Kihra called out as she stepped inside, Meenka following close behind.

“Ah, Meenka, so good to see you!” Mar turned to greet them with a smile, “I take it everything’s ready at the excavation site?”

“Yep,” Meenka confirmed, “Everyone’s ready to go on your say-so.”

“Excellent!” Mar replied, “Oh, where are my manners? Please, have a seat, we still have some stew to share,” he continued, moving to the table to prepare a bowl as he did.

“That’s nice and all, but I shouldn’t keep the rest of the crew waiting too long,” Meenka replied.

“We promise it won’t take too long,” Kihra insisted, “and besides, you still have to tell me what you’ve been up to since your last visit.”

“Aw, alright, if you insist,” Meenka relented, smiling slightly as she jokingly added, “I can’t really say no to a free meal, can I?”

For the next hour or so, the three of them would converse. While Mar and Meenka spent some of that time discussing the upcoming excursion to the ruins, much of the conversation was dominated by Kihras excited requests for stories on what Meenka had been up to since their last visit. It was mostly just odd jobs (ranging from recovering scrap to helping in a small Aetherite mining operation), though Kihra found these small tales no less interesting. Having only ever known the warren she grew up in and Mars dwelling, they were a window into the wider world of the Hollows. If life was so busy below ground, she could only imagine what things must be like up above.

It was almost midday (or what passed for midday below ground, at least) when Meenka finally made ready to leave.

“Kihra, would you mind tending to the garden while I talk with Meenka?” Mar asked, “We just have a few final details to discuss about the excursion.”

“Oh, right, of course. I’ll go take care of it,” Kihra replied. She’d almost forgotten about her prior task in her excitement. Hopping down from her chair, Kihra made her way out the front door, grabbing the gathering basket on the way out.

Entering the garden and setting the basket down, Kihra set herself to work gathering mushrooms. As her gathering brought her closer to the shuttered window, she began to hear the muffled sound of Mar and Meenka conversing from within the dwelling. A bit of light eavesdropping as she worked wouldn’t hurt, would it?

As she positioned herself closer to the window, Kihra could make out the conversation between Mar and Meenka more clearly. As she thought, it was just further discussion about the final details of the expedition, though as she turned her attention back to her work, something caught her attention.

“So he’ll be joining us tomorrow?” she heard Mar ask, his voice somewhat muffled through the shutters. Kihra’s ears perked up at that, she wasn’t aware of anyone else in particular joining him for this excursion.

“Yep,” Meenka confirmed, “he was pretty interested to hear how close we are to opening up the ruins. My crew just heard a day or so back that he’ll be coming to oversee the excavation personally.”

“I see,” said Mar, “if Talsath wishes to involve himself, I suppose there’s no helping it. Is there anything else he needs from me?”

“Nope, he just says he has ‘high hopes’ for the results of this dig, whatever they might be,” Meenka answered.

Now that was odd. What could this Talsath be hoping to find that’s so important to them?

“”Well, that would make two of us,” Mar replied with some amusement, “I’m sure whatever’s in those ruins should prove to be immensely rewarding for all of us.”

“I should hope so, the crew I’m currently working with aren’t the type that take historic discoveries or whatever as a reward by itself,” Meenka replied, “Speaking of which, I really should be heading back now, we’ve still got a lot to take care of before tomorrow.”

“Of course, I won’t keep you any longer,” said Mar, “Safe travels, Meenka.”

At that, Kihra quickly scurried over to a spot in the garden further from the window, hoping her eavesdropping wouldn’t seem too obvious. It wasn’t long before she heard the door open, and the sound of footsteps approaching.

“Well, it was good seeing you all again,” said Meenka, “but I’ve gotta head back. I’m sure I’ll have a really good story to share after this.”

“Oh, yeah, I can’t wait,” replied Kihra. When she didn’t hear her leave, she looked over to see Meenka giving her a slightly puzzled look, “Is everything alright?” she asked.

“I should be asking you the same,” replied Meenka, “Something on your mind?”

“No I’m alright,” Kihra replied, perhaps a bit too quickly.

Meenka gave her a skeptical look, “Kihra, I might not have known you for long, but even I can tell when you’re lying,” she said, “C’mon, let’s hear it.”

Well, no point in trying to hide it now.

“Alright,” Kihra admitted, “I was listening in on you and Master just now,” Well, since she knows that much, might as well ask, she thought to herself, “I heard you say something about someone else joining the expedition, someone named Talsath. Do you know who they are?”

“Oh yeah, him,” Meenka replied, “Can’t say I know much. Apparently the crew I’m with now’s been working with him for a while before I joined up, and he’s only ever spoken with them a few times before in the past.”

“Oh, ok. Do you know why he’s joining now?” Kihra questioned further.

“Beats me,” Meenka replied with a  shrug, “Seeing as he’s been supporting Mar’s research, I’d imagine he’d want to see what all of that support’s been going towards. From what I’ve heard, he’s been pretty impressed with the progress he’s been making.”

Thinking back on it, Kihra does remember Mar mentioning a “fellow scholar” lending him support around the time she first met Meenka. Something didn’t sit right with her about them, however. Why would he be so secretive, even to his supposed allies? And what could be so important within those ruins that he would willingly break this secrecy? He certainly seemed to have a better idea of what they’d find than Mar did given his earlier comment, why wouldn’t he be willing to share such information with him? The more she thought about it, the more nervous she became about the situation.

“Don’t worry,” Meenka said reassuringly, “for all we know, the guy’s just some eccentric who really likes his privacy. And besides,” she added with a smile, “you’ll have me around to keep an eye on things.”

Kihra gave a small smile at the comment. Still, she can’t completely shake the feeling of something being off about this, in spite of Meenkas assurances.

“Well, take care of yourself,” Meenka bid farewell, waving over her shoulder as she turned to leave, “See you when this is over.”

“Wait!” Kihra called out, scampering after Meenka, who turned to face her. This might be a long shot, but she had to try, “Let me come with you,” she blurted out.

“Huh!?” Meenka started, “I thought you were fine with sitting this one out, what changed?”

“I know,” Kihra replied, “but something about this just gives me a bad feeling. I just want to be sure that everything’s going to be alright.”

“And this has nothing to do with you still wanting to join in on the trip?” Meenka asked.

“No,” Kihra replied, “...maybe a little bit, but that’s not important now. I just know I won’t be able to rest easy if I just leave this alone. So, please let me join you, just to put my mind at ease?”

“I don’t know,” Meenka replied, slightly looking away as she nervously rubbed the back of her head, “my crew probably won’t be too happy about a surprise visitor dropping in on this, don’t want you or Mar getting in trouble for this. Or me, for that matter.”

“I promise I won’t get in the way,” Kihra insisted, looking pleadingly at her “you won’t even know I’m there, and I probably won’t even stay too long.”

Meenka paused in thought, glancing about as if to make sure no one was listening. Sighing in resignation, she finally answered.

“Alright, fine, you can come with.”

“Really?” Kihra replied excitedly, earning a quick shushing from Meenka.

“Yeah, but only if you keep out of sight and don’t draw attention to yourself,” Meenka continued, “You’re not actually supposed to be there, after all.”

Kihra nodded eagerly in understanding, “Ok, what do I do now?” She asked.

At this, Meenka glanced once more over her shoulder before pulling out a hand-drawn map of the surrounding caves and tunnels from her pack, “Alright, the tunnel to the ruins cave is here,” she explained, pointing out a spot on the map not too far from where they were now, “and our camp is right at the cave entrance. I’ll stay behind for a bit, tell them I need to check something, and meet you there. Just don’t leave me waiting too long if you’re serious about this, I don’t want anyone getting suspicious.”

“Thank you so much!” said Kihra, beaming with excitement.

“Don’t mention it,” Meenka replied, rolling up the map and stowing it away in her pack, “really, don’t mention it, don’t want either of us ending up in trouble for this,” With that, she turned to leave. “Well, take care of yourself Kihra, hopefully we’ll see each other again soon.” She called back with a knowing smile.

“Bye Meenka!” Kihra called back, “Take care!”

With that, Kihra gathered up her mushroom basket and headed inside. The rest of the day proceeded in a blur, split between chores, reading, studying, and further practice. And all the while, her thoughts were focused on her plans for the following day. While she was still a bit worried for her master, her apprehension was also tinged with excitement at what tomorrow might bring. Though not quite what she had in mind for her first major outing, Kihra still felt like she was taking her first step towards realising her dream of having her own adventure.