Dungeon Life

Chapter Two-Hundred Twenty-Three

Its time for the next wave to move out, which includes the dwellers. While Id rather they stay back and maybe go with the medics, Id just have another excuse to try to keep them back when the healers head on out. Theres nothing I can think of to actually keep them home, or at least not anything I havent expressed already.

My denizens are ready to go, this batch of reinforcements mostly has tundra wolves and basilisks, with a smattering of more arcane hands, too. Theres a few of my other denizens preparing to head out, including a twinsnake that really wants to go, but I dont think theyll manage it. Theyre having trouble just exiting the mausoleum with how cold it is outside right now.

Rocky is looking reinvigorated, and Im pretending I dont notice he has his gloves hidden inside his lich robe. Hes had a few more challengers to play with in the arena, but nobody has put up the kind of fight the kids did. I think partially because they dont think they can win. The kids were pretty sure theyd lose, but they still had that youthful optimism to still give it their all. The other delvers havent been digging as deep, so Rocky hasnt been digging as deep for their rewards, either. Still, hes been enjoying the fights, and I think the delvers have, too.

My dwellers are having just one last hiccup before they can get going. While Larx has grudgingly accepted he cant go off to war and potentially leave the ratkin leaderless, my spiderkin happen to have three leaders, two of whom are very good in a fight. Norloke doesnt want either of Folarn nor Vernew to go, but theyve outvoted her on that front. She was, however, able to get them both to accept that only one can go.

Its kinda getting to the point where I wonder if shell actually have success in keeping them both home. She keeps siding with the other to keep them there. If they cant actually make a decision soon, theyre going to miss the boat, which Im sure is all according to Norlokes plan.

Right now, theyre all three outside a mausoleum, watching the army muster and arguing. Sorry, debating.

Why cant you both just stay? asks the matronly spiderkin of her fellows, not bothering to pretend at this point. Folarn sighs and speaks up as Vernew stumbles over herself to try to answer.

Because we cant send them off without one of us. Even with the guidance of the Weaver and Warden Leo, it smacks of callousness and cowardice to not have either myself or Vernew there. The huntress nods and folds her arms as she finally secures her verbal footing.

Yeah, if we dont go, itll look like we dont want to go. Its one thing to tell someone to do something you cant do on your own, but its just laziness to send someone to do something you can do, but just dont want to. Lots of my new hunters act like gutting a fresh hunt is optional and they only get assigned to it as punishment, at least until they see me dressing my own kills. They need to know its important by seeing us do it, not just being told to do it.

Norloke sighs and reluctantly nods. I know. While my weavers dont get as messy, some of the process is incredibly tedious, and they only ever accept it as necessary after seeing me do it personally. I just

Folarn smiles and pats her fellow triumvirate members shoulder. I know. And youre not wrong that we cant both go.

You guys really should just let me go, speaks up Vernew, earning a flat look from them both. She doesnt let that stop her, though, and barrels forward. Im serious! I even have good reasons! It basically boils down to them not actually needing you in this fight, Folarn.

At the large spiderkins frown, Vernew quickly continues. I mean, sure, youre good at military planning, but thats Warden Leos job. Youd need Teemo there to be able to actually try to make plans together. Hell probably be there, but I dont think hes just going to be there just to translate for you two.

Im not good at planning, but I know to listen on a hunt. I dont need to try to make a plan, I just need to do the one they give me. And I can help scout, at least until its time to actually fight! She pauses and glances away, looking uncomfortable for a moment, but not shying away from her reasoning.

And we need you here, Folarn. The outsiders, the delvers and townsfolk, they know you. Youre good at talking to them and getting them to listen. If the worst happens wed be in a lot more trouble without you than without me.

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No! objects both of the other two, but Vernew isnt backing down just yet.

Im not putting myself down, ok! Im just just looking at the whole web. If we lost Norloke, the enclave itself would be in shambles as we try to learn how you can juggle all those domestic problems without losing a stitch! And if Folarn was gone, the townspeople wouldnt know who to talk to. Thered be no big gruff secret-softy to approach for negotiations.

But without me you guys would be sad, I know, and the hunting might be a bit lean, but my hunters would be able to step up. Thered probably be some drama, but nothing you two couldnt handle.

Now its Norloke and Folarns turn to look uncomfortable. While Vernew is of course more than the hole shed leave behind, should the worse happen, theyre all close enough to be honest with each other, so its difficult to argue against her logic, heartless as that logic is being.

And, like the master huntress she is, she has a finishing blow to land. I just I want to show Him Ive gotten better. I failed to stop the kids. Sure, it worked out, but I still failed. I need this.

Folarn rests a hand on her shoulder now, too, though she doesnt put too much of her weight on it. You know that, if you go, the only way you could fail Him would be to not return, right?

Vernew inhales deeply and nods. Yeah, I know. I know its not just me out there. If Leo says the best way I can contribute is to dig latrines the entire time, Ill do it with a smile on my face. She pauses for a moment. Ok, not a smile, but I wouldnt try to weasel out of it, at least. She takes another few seconds to straighten herself. So, that said: I call for a vote on allowing me to join our forces and march under the Weavers banner. I vote aye.

Norloke looks to Folarn, who crosses her arms as she considers the vote seriously. ...Aye.

The weaver deflates a bit and nods. Aye. Im still worried, but aye. The decision is unanimous. Huntsmistress Vernew will accompany our forces, rendering whatever aid the Weaver and His scions ask.

All three nod, and the officious air remains for a few moments before Vernew moves forward and hugs Norloke, with Folarn joining in not long after.

Ill be careful, dont worry. I hope theyll have me scout, but I really will do whatever they tell me to. Uh Ill probably suggest they dont have me cook, though.

That earns her a laugh from them both, with Folarn recovering first to speak. I still dont understand how you managed to burn tea!

I thought Id only need a cupful of water! And I like it strong! So I tossed in the leaves and only turned my back for a few minutes! she exclaims, trying to defend herself, but only earns another laugh.

Well, make sure you have all your stuff, Vernew. The vote is one thing, but I dont know if the Weaver will delay the whole army just for you, points out the Norloke, earning a scoff from the small spiderkin.

Hed probably love the excuse, but yeah, I shouldnt tempt Him. I brought my whole kit, but Ill check it now and hope I havent forgotten anything. She heads back into the mausoleum to check over her gear, leaving the other two outside. I nudge Teemo, who points Aranya and Larx towards the spiderkin, all three wearing encouraging smiles.

Boss says you finally decided on who will go?

Yes. Id still prefer it was me but shes not wrong in her reasoning. Somehow, that makes me feel worse about it, grumbles Folarn as Norloke nods.

I still wish she didnt need to go. Its one thing to watch the others prepare to go, but another to watch a close friend do it.

Larx nods at that. Indeed. I dont like letting them go, and I dont like not getting to go with them, but I cant change either of those facts.

My Voice smirks at the unhappy faces. Sounds like you guys know what the Boss is feeling, then. Hes gonna do his best to bring everyone back safe, even though he knows thats not a reasonable goal.

That earns a laugh from Aranya. Since when has a goal being unreasonable kept Him from striving for it anyway?

Teemo chuckles, as do I. Yeah. If anyone can pull it off, itd be him. Still

Norloke sighs and nods. Better to be prepared for the worst, than to be ambushed by it.

The somber mood is waylaid as Vernew rejoins everyone, carrying a large pack and wearing her warm gear. Alright, I should have everything! Oh, Teemo! She raps her right hands against her spear in a salute. Vernew, reporting for duty!

He smirks at her. Its about time! I think everyone is about ready to go, too. The Boss says you volunteered for latrine duty, right?

That earns grins from everyone except Vernew, who is trying to hide her horror at the idea. Uh I guess?

Good! Its important work, you know? Teemo hops to her shoulder and points her towards the rest of the dwellers as they prepare to move out, extolling the virtues of the unpleasant task. I wonder how long hell string her along? He probably cant manage it for the entire march, right? From the gleam in his eye, I get the feeling he just might try.

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