Our first few days in the Underdark have been eventful, but in a good way. After traveling the three days distance from the surface that was asked of us, we scouted a few different locations. The first was less than ideal, but the ore deposits alone had Tarr giving pause and wanting to stay, but the other factors just weren't good enough for us to make this cavern a home. We continued on, the sound of running water drawing us to a new location, one that, following our criteria, was absolutely perfect for our endeavors. While the group that brought our supplies grew impatient, Tarr, Smaug, and I chose to learn more about our surroundings.
The land shark and the abyss were interesting to find, but the knowledge we gained was not enough to stop us from settling this area. A great deal of time would need to be spent tackling some of the more interesting features of the cavern, such as the towering stalactites on the ceiling and the uneven floor, but with our man power and our pets, we believed we could take care of it. Our cook set to work with Khalsinn and Miz to disassemble the land shark while the rest of us decided to make this place a bit more livable.
Even the night watch schedule was more than I had expect. Everyone played their part, with no coaxing, leaving me to have an uninterrupted sleep for one of the first times since I had left the Northern Outposts. I dreamt of my family, how mother would be proud of me. The earlier feelings of doubt that had plagued me had been replaced with hope for this journey, with the actual belief that I could succeed as a leader. Before this journey, I had taken the mantle of leader again with trepidation, but that feeling had since gone. This group did what was needed and asked of them, and we prospered so much more for it.
The second day in our cavern brought more strenuous work, but we were beginning to make this place our own. From the cultivation of the mushrooms, to the building of forges, to the essential terraforming that we all worked for, the cavern would soon be ready for buildings and more. Our not yet built town was graced with the name Mithril Mantle, a sign of hope for what would become of the trading post of the Adamantine Flames. As the days of work continued, my excitement for the future grew, even if the unknown still lurked around us.