Year's End Chall 30

    The rhythmic sounds of steel on rock grated on Eilert’s ears as he was lead down the winding tunnels of the gem mines. Around him were stout men, wailing away at the rocks and digging pokemon carving out new passages for the miners to continue their work. Leading him was Casper, Wick personal Pokemon, and his daughter Quartz. Both sableyes wore devilish grins as they pointed out a section of rock.

    Getting the clue, the wlydborne reached for the pickaxe that was left nearby. Heaving up  and over his shoulder, he swung down hard. The following Ping joined the rest of the music. “Why did I allow you convince me?” he asked the two pokemon at his side. The younger of the two opened her mouth and pointed down her throat. Casper gave her a gentle shove in response.

    “Right,” the trainer replied, “You two ate all of the gems Wick left in his office. You’re lucky I decided to help you out rather leave you for your punishment.” Casper mocked an apologetic thanks before the two sableyes started to climb the walls for gemstones that could be easily pulled out of the wall. Eilert on the other hand took another swing with the pickaxe.

    They continued for an hour or so when they collapsed in a pile from exhaustion. The wyldborne took the moment to drink heavily from his water canteen. A distressed cried brought his attention to the two pokemon. Sighing he offered the bottle to them. Quartz drank first before passing it to her father. As he drank though, the elder sableye caught his daughter reaching for another gemstone. Slapping her hand Casper scolded her daughter with Eilert watching.

    “Heh,” he chuckled as he watched. “It seems you got a strict father there. I kinda wish my father was like that. I probably would living better off than now. I know crazy right? But if he at least taught me some discipline, I probably would have done my job better back home.”

    The two pokemon stared at him confused. “It’s nothing,” he replied, “Let’s get back to work.” Refreshed, the sableye jumped to their feet to assist him

    It was late in the evening when they left the tunnels with the rest of the miners. Slung over his shoulder was the haul the three of them had made. “That was exhausting,” Eilert complained as he found a seat on a nearby bench. Tired as well, the two pokemon joined him.

    “Gods be damned,” the wyldborne complained. “I haven’t eaten since this morning.”

    The grumbling stomachs of his companions told him a similar story. “I know,” Eilert replied. Reaching into the bag he pulled out a small cluster of gems. ‘We harvested more than enough to replace what you ate before. Take the extras.”

    Faces wide with glee, the two pokemon tackled the sack, spilling it’s contents onto the pavement. Amused, Eilert bide the two farewell and left for Wick’s Manor. Casper and Quartz paid little attention to him as they feasted on the spoils of their labor.