1x1 DragonDream & TrashCentral

[Trash Central]

Ina listened to Leon's explanation about himself. She really wasn't sure what to think about the elf beside her. So far, he seemed to only be thinking about how this job was going to affect him, and not anybody else. If what he said about his package was true and it is very private information, it could change the lives of a lot of people, whether that be in big ways or small ways. In her eyes, every package she delivered had the potential to be the one that changes something or someone forever. She could be carrying a letter about the death of a relative or dear friend, it could be news of new life or maybe a package containing just what someone needs to start anew. For Ina, being a courier was more than just mindlessly carrying a meaningless note from point A to point B. It seemed to Ina that Leon only thought of this job as something he was unlucky enough to get stuck with.

"I see . . . Well, I'm sure we'll have no problem getting it to the nobleman, so you don't have to worry about being shunned. Instead, you should lighten up and try to enjoy the job! You never know what might happen if you worry less about yourself and focus more on the things around you. There's a lot to learn walking through these tunnels! History whispers through the rocks if you dare listen hard enough!"

[DragonDream]

Leon Beldamere

The dwarf was very optimistic and upbeat for someone who never saw the sun. "I prefer my history from books," he sighed. "I think if I start hearing rocks speak, you will be carrying me to Dhrem and back," he said, a light touch of dry humor in his tone. He couldn't help but turn his head back, the light from their way in so distant now that the outside light was no longer reaching them. "Just out of curiosity, has anything dangerous ever happened to you down here?"

Plenty of bad things had come from underground before. He wasn't one to talk to a lot of couriers since most of them just went to the taverns nestled underground. If it wasn't a big and notable event, things from underground hardly surfaced in his circles. So, he wasn't sure just how bad the tunnels were aside from being closed off and chilly. He was glad he thought to bring a cloak.

[Trash Central]

"What a silly question to ask! Why do you think I have armor and a blade on me? My work would be much faster if I didn't have to wear this stuff, you know. I've been attacked enough for me to be cautious, but that's nothing you need to worry about. If I suspect any danger, I'll make sure you're well out of the way! You're working with the best of the best here. Like I said, I've been at this job for 15 years now. I know how to handle those types of things."

Ina wasn't sure how much Leon wanted to know about the dangers she had encountered during her time working as a courier, so she figured she'd leave it at that. In truth, she'd been attacked by many dwarves, spiders, and other smaller creatures down in the tunnels. She'd never really feared for her life too often though, so most of the time she didn't bother to report the attacks. That was far more papers than she wanted to attend to and in her eyes if she dealt with the problem, there's nothing left for her to report. What's dealt with is dealt with, so no need to dwell on it. Besides, it wasn't like she was being attacked every single job- maybe once every two months or so. If attacks became more frequent maybe she would consider reporting more of the attacks but for now she was content with how she handled things.

[DragonDream]

Leon Beldamere

It was amusing to think that the chatty dwarf had to hold her own down underground. It was hard for him to picture, even though she was fully equipped to deal with such things. All he had was a dagger, a light, and occasional magic. "Well, that's certainly good to know. How far do you think we will get today?" For once it was a real worry of his. Above ground he could better estimate because of the terrain. In the tunnel it was just dim and long. He wondered why mounts weren't ridden to make things faster, but the thought of hooves echoing through would be enough to drive anyone insane.

[Trash Central]

Ina Thovir

"How far we get depends on how fast you're willing to go my friend! If we sprinted we could go further than if we walked, but you don't look much like the sprinting type. No offense. For now let's just try and get to the first 'rest area' to see how well you can handle the underground travel. If you're still doing okay then we'll set our sights on the next big stopping point." Being used to living by a day-night cycle and then going underground and away from it made everything a lot harder to do than most people would think. There was something about not being able to judge time by the day-night cycle that made the average person go a little mentally unstable, to put kindly. Because of that, Ina was honestly more concerned about Leon's mental well-being for this first part of the journey than she was his physical ability to travel. She wanted to get him to a check point as quickly as possible, for his own sake.

[DragonDream]

Leon Beldamere

Leon made it farther than he thought he would, all things considered. They had stopped a spot earlier, but he knew he had some miles left in him and argued his case. By the time they had made it to their second stopping point he could feel ever muscle and bone in his body. With no way to tell the time, or the distance really, he was convinced he had done a lap around the continent and then some. Coming up on the small nooks within the walls was interesting. Two dwarven guards stood lazily posted by an entryway, but they seemed like bored bouncers than anything. Clearly Leon and his dwarven companion weren't all that threatening because they didn't even bat an eye when they entered.

Inside, a natural cavern had been turned into what seemed like a small town. A three story inn was built into the wall to accommodate travelers, couriers, and those who seemed to make their business being underground. There was also a market and what he could only assume was storage facilities. If he hadn't been at death's door, he probably would have wanted to explore. Instead, they headed towards the inn.

"I am in dire need of something hot to eat. And a drink. And maybe a coffin for when I'm finished." The inside atmosphere of the inn was a mixture of rowdy and respectful that he didn't think was possible. The space was cozy, and lined with wood that dimmed the echo that was more prominent outside. The space was warm from the cooking fires and amount of people, mostly dwarves and some humans, milling about.

[Trash Central]

Ina Thovir

"No coffin for you my friend! We're only just getting started. As for the food and drink, I'll go get us something. You go ahead and pick a spot for us and rest up!"

Ina patted Leon's back and then proceeded to walk up to the barkeep, waving and grinning at the people she recognized along the way. When she made it up to the barkeep she ordered two of her usual- a hunk of cooked meat and greens and a pint of beer. She didn't know if the elf would eat this, but he needed the protein, especially after pushing himself so hard today. Ina really hadn't expected him to try and go beyond the first rest point, and she wasn't confident that she had made the right choice in continuing beyond that. She was worried he might have used up all of his energy on the first day and would only be able to travel short distances for the rest of the journey. Regardless, it was too late now to go back. No use dwelling on it when good food and drink was being put in front of her.

"Thanks, Harbet! I'm sure I'll be back for more drink soon. I think my elf friend over there really pushed himself today! Oh, and we'll also be taking a room with two beds tonight, if you've got it." With that, Ina dropped some coin on the bar for the food, drinks, and room and grabbed their stuff and walked towards where Leon had situated himself.

[DragonDream]

Leon Beldamere

Finally feeling like he was back in his element, Leon quickly found a spot that wasn't overly crowded and plopped down. Even though it was still underground, it was a familiar enough environment, even if he was sticking out. Sliding his bag off he stretched his sore feet out in front of him and relished in sitting down. Every muscle in his body ached from walking, and being unaccustomed to the cold and damp.

When his dwarven companion returned he was quick to start on his drink, then eagerly began tearing into his food, hardly taking the time to taste it. Not that it mattered much to him anyways. As well known and esteemed as the Mage's school was, there were times when they had to exist on the bare minimum or some of the most detestable food in existence. Tavern food, no matter the tavern, would always be welcomed. Especially after that much walking. Tired as he was, the food and drink also improved Leon's mood.

"You know, I think I may just survive the night."

[Trash Central]

Ina Thovir

"That's reassuring to hear! I was worried about you. I hope you didn't push yourself too hard my friend! We've got to be up 'bright' and early!" Ina snorted in laughter at her joke about the brightness. It would be just as dark down here in the morning as it was right now. They did have to be up early though. Ina preferred to stay on the move for as much as possible during jobs. The sooner she could get back and share stories of the trip with her friends, the better.

"So, did you enjoy the meal Leon? At the end of the job I'll get you some real fine Dwarven food, not just slabs of meat and greens. I bet it'll be the best food you've ever tasted in your life!"

[DragonDream]

Leon Beldamere

Leon suppressed the urge to roll his eyes at her all too witty joke. "Well if my legs aren't withered away by the time I wake up we should be fine, though I am sure I will be sore for days. And as far as the food goes, I am more than happy to just feel warm. I was expecting the tunnels to be chilly, but I wasn't prepared to feel it through my bones. I have to say, a decent meal at the end of the road will make it a bit easier to keep moving. Especially if it lives up to your claim of being the best," he said, brow raised.

Living so close to the sea, most of the meals Leon grew up eating contained a fair amount of fish and salt. Being in a wealthy family he had tried just about every popular delicacy in the elven circles, and some of the humans. Even though the trip was a drag, at least he would get to try something different.

With a full stomach, the full weight of his exhaustion came creeping back in. "I think I'm quite ready to retire for the night, or, whatever time of day it is," he said as he stretched out his shoulders.