Chapter One-Hundred Ninety-Nine

Chapter One-Hundred Ninety-Nine

Its around sunset when the last of the miners either walk out or give up. Its also about the time that Tarl and Berdol enter through the main gates. Tarl looks relaxed as he follows Berdol, who looks a bit nervous. I watch them curiously for a few moments before remembering they want to inspect Violet again before giving her an official categorization and recognition.

I dont even need to ask Teemo to say anything before he hops out of a shortcut at the porch and squeaks at the two.

Hey guys! Inspecting Violet before bed, hmm?

Tarl chuckles and Berdol nods, and the elf replies first.

Its generally a good idea to inspect during off hours. It helps keep interruptions to a minimum.

Teemo nods at that wisdom, then eyes Berdol. How about you? Looking forward to your first official inspection?

The catkin nods, trying to hide his nerves. Y-Yeah. Shes a toybox, so it shouldnt be a problem. And you can help with questions and such.

Nope, interrupts Tarl, drawing the gaze of the other two. Youll be doing this one without Teemos help. Other dungeons this young wont have a Voice to talk with, so youll have to learn how to read between the lines and interpret what she wants without being able to actually ask and be answered with words.

Berdol looks even more nervous about that, while Teemo looks a little disappointed.

I cant come?

Tarl shrugs. I cant tell you what to do, but just being there shouldnt hurt anything. Just no interpreting for Violet, please.

Teemo brightens up at that. Deal! You guys want a shortcut down to the tunnels, or get a few encounters for Thedeim and take the normal way?

Tarl smirks and looks to Berdol. What do you think, inspector?This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.

The catkins eyes widen at that for a moment, before he considers his options. Uh the shortcut, please. An inspector should be as prepared as he is able for an inspection. While some encounters would be nice, I should be at my top form to inspect Violet, toybox or no.

Berdol doesnt get a chance to show them off on the walk over. With my own expeditions around, theres not a whole lot of unfriendly things around between me and Violet. He keeps the blades out as he enters Violets outer cavern, though I can see his stance loosen up a bit in the safety of her domain.

He inspects differently than Tarl. Instead of speaking his observations, he writes them on his clipboard. I can feel Violets curiosity through the bond, but I dont send her any hints for what to do. This is all on her.

Berdol inspects the mining nodes and notes the barren patches of floor where the scythemaw eggs are buried. He then pulls out a small pick and mines a little by hand, before Onyx slips out of a crack to greet her friend. The catkin smiles at her and speaks up for the first time in his official inspection.

Hey Onyx. I cant play just yet, Im doing an inspection.

Onyx tilts her head curiously, then looks to Teemo. My Voice smiles and shakes his head. Ill explain later. Violet should know what that means, though.

Onyx still looks curious as she follows, and I feel understanding through the bond as Violet remembers the inspections Rhonda and Freddie used to do when she was first discovered.

I find Berdols style of inspection kinda boring, but Violets curiosity remains constant, so she seems engaged, at least. I can also feel her considering what he writes about her nodes and denizens, wondering if she should change anything, and mulling ideas for improvements.

When Berdol gets to the door, he pauses and looks at it, tapping the clean end of his pen on his chin as he thinks. After a few moments, he looks to Tarl.

Would this count as a puzzle?

What do you mean? he neutrally replies.

Berdol gestures at the large stone door. From what I understand, these doors were put in as a response to the scythemaws, right? Theyre something that a beast wouldnt be able to get past, but most delvers will be able to simply open by pulling. Does that count as a puzzle?

Tarls eyes brighten, but his reply remains neutral. What is a puzzle?

A type of trap or hindrance that requires thought to bypass, rather than simply power. When Tarl doesnt continue, Berdol considers the door for a few more moments, before he scribbles on his paper. A puzzle, then. A very rudimentary one, but it still counts.

Tarl cant quite keep the prideful smile off his face as Berdol enters Violets main chamber. Berdol hunts a few bunnies and sets about interacting with the mushrooms and other points of interest, unaware of the look Tarl is giving him. I guess Im not the only one with a protege to be proud of.