lirvothethird

  "Nashramae in sight!"

  "Finally..."

  Cheers came from all the passengers as they finally loosened up. The ship was almost snuck up on in the night, causing the route to stray even further as a precaution.

  The longer at sea, the worse it is. Everything was either damp, or crusty. People huddled pitifully on the deck in the sun's rays trying to dry themselves.

  Thankfully we were given biscuits as well as fish to eat, otherwise it could have been even worse. The horrifying thing is getting used to the smell...

  The ship docked. Colorful fluttering fgs strung on lines decorated the marketpce. People were bustling, as stalls were set up and supplies were stockpiled. A stocky man blew into a horn as children pyed. Far off in the distance was a golden circle.

  "Welcome to Nashramae! The 268th Armordillo festival is the day after! Freshen up! Tighten your belts! And don't stuff your belly!"

  People wearing green clothes with a yellow cloak strutted around the city helping people.

  "Here."

  The captain Safivier handed a small pouch of coins to Ezreal as he earnestly expined.

  "This is your wage. A little less than what we would've paid our original navigator."

  "But I thought I skipped paying the passenger fee?"

  "Someone that works on the ship doesn't need to pay. Don't worry, just take it!"

  "Thanks."

  Ezreal turned as we headed into the city through the marketpce.

  "Look at me, walking on a ship and they PAY me!"

  "Yes yes, you are a genius."

  "I didn't forget. Here's the fare you contributed."

  "Thanks."

  With that, we headed down the street through the marketpce. Inside and outside were different matters. My face paled slightly as the only ndmark I could see was the golden disc. It was an everchanging maze. It would be easy for myself to just go in one straight path through the marketpce underground.

  "Should we get a guide?"

  "I alone am enough!"

  30 Minutes ter.

  "I think we've been here before..."

  "There's no way I was wrong!"

  1 hour ter.

  "My senses never failed me."

  He shook his head in despair. Drastic measures are needed.

  "You know what?! I'm just going to dig a hole out of here."

  Following my lead, we went to a more secluded area. I lightly pressed my feet down. The sandy ground was casually tamped down. I quickly made a steep staircase downwards before packing the dirt as I walked towards the general direction of the ndmark.

  Ezreal followed behind me, shuffling sideways through the misshapen tunnel I was making. I warned him of some problems.

  "Don't breathe too hard, there's not much air for you to use. Me on the other hand, I don't need air."

  After walking a sufficient distance, I felt for any rge building above. There was a rge one right to the right. As well as a suspicious cavity underneath it. Suspicious cavity it is.

  With that choice, I quickly made a path there. It was protected by sandstone so I carefully carved it out, ready to fit it back in the wall. It was pitch bck in the darkness, with some type of connection with the building above. I quietly whispered, afraid of causing any disturbance that could be noticed above.

  "Do you have the mp?"

  Some form of nodding indicated he had it, as he promptly took it out, turning a knob that released a small spark lighting it up. Now with light, we could see our surroundings.

  Lo and behold, a library.

  Ezreal instantly brought out clean gloves. There was no way we could finish reading everything so I had to set a limit.

  "Remember that we can visit tomorrow."

  "Ok."

  With that, he started reading. I couldn't make sense of anything.

  "What nguage is this in?"

  "Shuriman obviously."

  "Welp."

  Learning Piltovan was hard enough, no need to learn Shuriman.

  "I guess I'll go fill in the tracks and make a closer path. I'm going to make a handle for the wall."

  "What's so good about books anyways? It's better to travel the world."

  I mutter as I keep my eyes peeled for somewhere to stay. Tents flocked the sandy ground right outside the city. Travellers who came to celebrate took up residence in these most likely temporary tents. Now how do I get one? Nah, he probably packed one somewhere.

  Briskly walking, I arrived at an open spot. Just then, a cranky old dy spoke to me while on a log.

  "Don't wanna stay there sonny. Da toilet's been there."

  "Thanks."

  I moved further away from the empty spot. It seems like they did a good job, as nothing smelled bad there. Sitting on the ground, I opened the backpack and id everything out. Only half of our stuff was here as we split up the load. I carried more belongings while he carried more essentials for exploration.

  A portion of carefully wrapped rations, a spool of hardy rope, a few metal rods, a round thing he called a compass and a hasty drawing of the world map he drew. Where's the tent? I sat there in contemption as I slowly realized... nothing.

  "I take it back. Reading is useful."

  Packing everything back up again, I headed back towards the underground library. What greeted me was a drooling mess.

  "Hey, are you alive?"

  I shook Ezreal's shoulder as he suddenly shook his head and cpped his face. I looked around in the dim light. Heaps upon heaps of books were piled up. I was only gone for a moment? What the fuck.

  "You read all of this?"

  I gestured towards the surrounding piles.

  "Skimmed."

  "You know we have more time right? It's not only today."

  "I have our next destination... Zzzzz"

  "Really?!"

  After thanklessly pcing the books back in a random order, I went off to get water in a canister as well as food.