For the next 2 days Myrcury did some work for his uncle in order to earn a little mad money for his date. The 50 gold coins he was currently holding were to go to Talya for the armor.

Uncle Mort is very good to Myrcury. He raised him with a solid education in grammar, both gnome and dwarven of course, mathematics and basic life skills which includes foraging and cooking. These are basics that all gnomes learn in their first 15 years of life.

Mort then took Myrcury on as an unofficial apprentice. Unofficial because Myrcury never really wanted to do it. Once he was no longer required however, he took to gem cutting specifically. Mort fed his curiosity and allowed him the freedom to become who he wanted.

Today is no different.  If Myrcury wants to work, he can and his uncle pays him for his work. If he chooses to do something else, that's fine too.

Mort and Bee are aware that Myrcury, like his father has an extreme case of wanderlust. They pray to Garl Glittergold that the lust doesn't kill Myrcury like it did his father Pip.

Pip Moleburrow was an explorer of little story or consequence. He loved life but it was cut short when he stumbled into a den of kobold when foraging for exotic mushrooms in the high north forest.

He left behind a small stash of gold. It has been sufficient to aid Mort in raising Myrcury. Myrcury is not rich, but he has never went hungry in his short 35 years of life.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:23, Sat 03 Feb.

Admiring the marquise faceted emeralds that Myrcury has cut for a custom necklace Mort is crafting.

" These are great my boy. Well done. I understand you have a date tonight, with miss Talya? Shes an admirable young lady. Here, I have thrown in a little extra. My brother would approve and he would be proud of you. Please, stay out of kobold dens. Losing you would crush your Aunt Bee."

Mort places a leather pouch with 10 gold coins, twice what was expected into Myrcury's small, delicate hand. Have fun tonight, He gives him a hearty slap on the back and goes back to work at the front of the shop.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:16, Sun 04 Feb.

When Myrcury and Talya enter the Golden Tankard a couple nights later, the pair turn heads. Myrcury dressed in his devilishly smooth snake skin leather suit of armor with a knee length pleated, snake leather kilt. His knee high sandals are crisscrossed about each calve and shin like a pair of serpents. Accessorized by the Pendleton rapier strapped across his back. Only his fishing dagger hanging from his belt seems out of place. His hair is spiked up and extra clean as is his youthfully smooth, rosey cheaked face.

Walking in, by his side is a sight no less unexpected nor impressive. Kayla is dressed in a full suit of studded leather armor. Masterwork of her own design, the suit is designed with reinforced protection in vital locations and flat black stain for stealth. The leather is supple and moves naturally. She is armed with a hooked gnome hammer of impressive quality and a small but sturdy iron shield. Talya hair is pulled up tightly into a top knot that hungs down over her shoulders.

The two look fierce, and to most, they are strangers.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:31, Sun 04 Feb.

The Golden Tankard is a respectable establishment known for its appeal to the adventurous sort. The Tavern is directly across the street from the Red Maple Inn. The town is visited often by merchants. Merchants bring with them traveling sorts who hire on to protect caravans, cook, handle livestock and other paid positions. These types are often looking for the next opportunity to earn a few coins. It is understood, if you are looking for specialty talent, The Golden Tankard is the best place in Glitterhovel to start.

Myrcury and Talya did not look out of place, on the contrary. But they did look impressive and new. A couple locals may recognize Talya from doing business,  but they have never seen her like this.

Everyone eyes them appraising, then goes back to whatever they were doing. Myrcury grabs a table and orders dinner for both. They both order half pints of ale.

As they await their drinks they look around the room and see about two dozen patrons ignoring a single unimpressive minstrel. Lots of small conversations taking place. The drinks are served by a cute young bar maid in short order.

"This is fun Myrcury,  I am really glad you invited me. But, what are we doing here? What are you looking for?"

" I want to strike out and explore, but I need a team; companions. The problem is, most folk in this town are content and they cant keep a secret. I need like minded friends who I can trust to keep a secret. I am not sure why I think I can find that here."

"You need capable people too. Thats a tall order. Adventurous, capable and trustworthy.  That could be hard to find."

She looks around the room pretending to scan for Myrcury's perfect companions. All the while Myrcury is staring directly at her. She catches his stare when she looks back at him.

"Why did you invite me here tonight?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:57, Mon 05 Feb.

Myrcury is caught off guard by her inquiry.

"Uhm well, I guess because I like you. I appreciatewhat you did for me. I wanted to thank you and be with you."

" Do you trust me Myrcury?"

He nods.

"Do you think I am capable?"

He nods vigorously.

"I guess the only question then is am I adventurous? Why dont you share with me this secret of yours and find out?"

She was daring him to trust her.

"You have your business.  I just assumed you were unavailable. Are you suggesting that you might want to strike out with me? Really?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:25, Mon 05 Feb.

"Logistically its difficult.  But I am bored and I need diversion.  I have good workers. I could take some time away. But first, you must confide in me."

Myrcury looks confused for a moment. Then the realization of what Talya is suggesting sets in and his confusion changes to excitement.

" You want to join me? Talya? Yes, yes I think that would be perfect. It is gonna be dangerous. But of courseyou know that. My secret? Okay. Only three people know what I am about to tell you."

He looks about, scootches closer to Talya and speaks in a hushed tone.

" Have you heard of the Underway?"

Talya shakes her head but is all ears.

"I had never heard of it either. Supposedly there are natual underground caverns that are traversable and connect most of the gnome towns in the forest. They connect to the town sewers through gnome crafted passages. But around 150 years ago, they sealed up the passages due to dangers from below. The passages were used for hundreds of years prior. Could be anything down there."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:33, Mon 05 Feb.

"Thats very interesting,  but it does not sound like something that would be so secretive."

"That's not the secret, this is."

He produces the key Deebo gave him and sets it on the table in front of Talya.

" This is a key to the Underway and only three people, now four, know of its existence. "
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Mon 05 Feb.

"Assuming Fritz knows, who is the fourth?"

She immediately senses a change in Myrcury as if she may not like the answer.

After a few mo.ents of hesitationhe simply replies,

"Deebo"

"Deebo! Shhh sorry, Deebo as in Shady Lane Deebo? If he is the 4th I assure you there is at least a 5th. There is no way he is doing this strictly with you and Fritz. He has benefactors."

"I believe that you are likely right, but he has every reason to keep it secret. If its ever discovered that we replaced the lock with a mimick enchanted lock, they will close us out, everyone. I think he will keep a very tight lid on it."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:00, Mon 05 Feb.

"Do you have a map? Have you been down yet? Maybe, that should be our first goal, to create a map of the caverns in and around Glitterhovel. We can use Glitterhovel as our base of operations.  It will be easier if we spelunk with light gear. If we only stay out a day or two at a time, we wont need so much food and water."

"Have you done this before? You sound like you've done this before."

"No, I never have really left Glitterhovel to be honest. But it seems logical that we should start with small steps, short excursions."

"I am sure glad you're doing this with me. I felt pretty lost before. Now I feel a new sense of urgency.  When can we start? Do you think the two of us could have a look?"

Talya looks at herself and Myrcury then smiles.

"Id say we look pretty ready. We may need some climbing gear, ya think?"

"See, I would not have thought of that.  I have about 5 gold left. Let's go visit the spelunking supply store tomorrow?"

"Sounds like another date. We might need a little more than 5. We are equal partners in this speculation. After breakfast we will go to the bazaar and I will buy us climbing gear. Before you protest, you bring the key. I can bring some start up equipment. Then we will go to my shop and pack our gear. No offense Myrcury,  but you are uncommonly small. We have to be careful we dont overload you. Once we get packed and suited up, we can poke our heads in and see this Underway."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:38, Tue 06 Feb.