But, anyway.
Cautious, Samson approaches me, hooking a finger in the paper bag and peeking inside. A deep sound resonates from his chest. “The mine entrance was buried under a landslide.”
A different tingle races up my spine as my nerves melt away so I can hyperfixate on his voice. Ilovehis voice. It’s so deep and chocolaty, smooth caramel undertones with a gravellycrunch. Peanuts, probably. He is a Snicker’s bar of goodness, and I’m not me when I’m hungry.
Parched, I murmur, “Slate’s gonna blow it up this afternoon so I can get in.”
Samson’s eyes hit me so hard it feels physical. But not in a good way. More like the love of my life just punched me in the face. Which isn’t disheartening at all, I’m sure. In other news, of course I’m still breathing.
For the record, I have been this whole entire time.
The paper bag crinkles as his finger constricts. More peanuts than caramel, he says, “What?”
I swallow. “I’m going to help him reestablish his collection. I’m sure what he’s lost washed into the ocean and the mines.” Honestly,Vale of Gems’starting premise of a mass destruction storm explains really well why you can dig and fish up priceless artifacts. A good chunk of Slate’s lab washed away, taking everything with it, burying tons beneath silt and mud.
The story is so well-thought-out that new dig spots only appear after it rains, too, when more muck might wash away, leaving lost items more accessible.
Basically, bless the brain that brought me Samson. Amen.
Samson provides me with a coarse once over, inciting an ample amount of insecurity even though IknowI am very cute now. Freckled. Symmetrical. Mourning dove adorable. Despite it all, I still can’t help but wonder what deficiencies he perceives.
He states, “There arethingsin the mines.”
Shifting my weight from one leg to the other, I say, “I know.”
His massive chest fills with air as he grits, “Magic comes from the earth. Its power infuses itself in anything down there and—” He releases the paper bag to hook a finger in his collar, dragging it down to show me his worst scar more fully. “—they are not kind.” His nostrils flare as he stops flashing me beautiful, rugged man chest. “The deeper you go, the stronger the magic, the more chaotic, the moredeadly. But even the surface levels can be fatal if you don’t know what you’re doing.”
I shudder, and I get the feeling saying,No worries! I have an old sword from Pyro!is not the play here. I would really appreciate text box options. Common sense can normally guide me well enough if I am presented with two clear choices…
Boo. Realism mod.
Clutching the paper bag of tarts to my chest, I whisper, “There’s no other way. I need the resources down there. TheRidge needs them.”
He growls, “The terrain underground changes overnight like a living beast breathing. The elevator probably drowned out in the flood, and crawling down a ladder on your own gives plenty of time for something to get your ankle. Let Slate get his own—” Samson swears. “—collection back. Leave Pyro and Austin to fetch the town’s resources. Gem Ridge isn’t your responsibility. You just got here.”
I did.
I did just get here, but I’ve kept my heart here for years. “This town gave me a house.”
“Lazul’s been trying to pawn that land off on anyone with a heartbeat for years. Working the ground in the Ridge isn’t easy labor. Trees and stones crop up overnight. You can’t put magic protection in place like with building foundations because it inhibits the properties that accelerate growth. It’s a pain, and it’s a lot. Trust me, no one here has done you any favors yet.”
“Yet?” I ask.
He grimaces, crossing his arms. “This place is inundated with cataclysmically kind and friendly people.”
“Except Austin,” I provide.
Samson rolls his eyes. “Austin’s crass and arrogant, but if it came down to it, he’d give you the shirt off his back.”
“He’d also make sure you never forget the favor.”
Samson grunts. “Yeah. Well. I never said he wasn’t human.”
In my humble, professional, opinion, both Austin and Samson fall into thegrumpyarchetype. Where they differ is at a notable level, though. Samson is the endearing recluse while Austin is just plain mean.
Samson saysgo awaywhere Austin addsyou idiot.
Were I not finishing my meet and greet task, I wouldn’t have bothered to approach Austin at all. And since I haven’t prompted further dialogue, all he’s said to me is:You’re the new farmer Lord Lazul’s been talking about? I give it a week before you can’t handle it and go back to wherever you came from, city girl.
