Though Lily was on first impression a bit strange, Chelsea admired that she had recognized the shrine's importance to the islands and left it alone. Besides, Chelsea herself was far from "normal", all things considered.
As Lily left and began to speak to Kirk about going to Volcano Island, Chelsea set her rucksack on the ground and knelt at the shrine, waiting for Agate to appear. The little Harvest Sprite never took too long, but Chelsea found herself waiting a bit longer than normal this time for her to appear. When she finally did, in a cloud of sparkles and light, she greeting Chelsea with an excited- -albeit loud- -hello. "Chealsea! Good to see you again- -it's been a while, I thought maybe you'd left, or were done raising islands!" Agate jumped and perched herself on top of the shrine.
"I'm far from done; you know I've still got a lot of islands to raise. These just took a bit longer to get." Chelsea took the Sunstones out of her rucksack and sat them at the shrine's base. "But what took you so long this time?"
Without answering the question, Agate simply nodded, "The Islands can be a bit finicky with creating these. Goddess knows why they appear when they do."
"Isn't the Goddess the one who creates them?"
The Harvest Sprite looked to sky, swinging her legs back and forth as she thought of what to say. "It's...complicated. The Goddess created the islands, but really it's the spirit of the islands that makes the Sunstones. The more the islands thrive, the more are created." She looked back down to Chelsea, "You've certainly helped things since you got here, anyway. We haven't had a thriving ranch on Ranch Island in...forever! Even the Harvest Goddess is impressed."
"The Harvest Goddess? You know her?"
The Sprite looked dumbfounded. "Of course I know her! I'm a Harvest Sprite. Besides, she's very approachable! I'm sure you'll get to meet her one day." Agate grinned before adding, "Just make sure you bring her a good gift when you do."
Even in Autumn, it seemed, Volcano Island was unbearably hot.
How his uncle could stand wearing his cloak, Will would never know. He had long forgone his white jacket; it was draped over his shoulder as he stood and listened to his Uncle speak about the types of ore the island had, and what his mining company did to them. If the truth were told, most of the information Will already knew from working with his father, but he didn't want to be rude and interrupt. A refresher couldn't hurt, he thought, and at least he wasn't working inside the mine as he had first feared.
No, not inside.
Regis finished his explanation of the Orichalcum that was found in the mines, then huffed. "Did the Goddess have to make volcanoes hot?"
Will started to suggest he remove his cloak, but thought better of it. "If you're hot, should we return to your home then to discuss more?"
"Yes, I think that would be appropriate. I'll tell Issac to-"
"And why not?!"
A strange voice caught their attention and made them turn their gazes towards the volcano's entrance. A woman neither man had ever seen was speaking, a bit loudly, with the miners outside the entrance to the volcano. She crosses her arms indignantly and says, "I'm a treasure hunter, I know what I'm doing!"
Though Regis immediately walked forward to inquire about what was going on, Will stood for a moment, entranced by the woman's dress. It was unlike anything he had ever encountered; even from this distance, he could tell it was made of high quality red silk and embroidered with fine golden thread, not to mention the ornament in her hair was clearly of high quality as well, and must have taken a great deal of time to put up. Wherever she was from, they certainly had wonderful taste in clothes. Even with how annoyed she looked at this moment, there was no denying she was beautiful.
"I'm a treasure hunter," she was saying to Regis and Issac, "I'm used to going in mines and other places-it's what I do! This man here," she guestured to Issac, "Won't let me through to search the mine for anything."
Regis nodded to the oversized pack of tools on her back, "I see you are well equipped; however, this mine isn't just for the public, unfortunately. My mining company owns it."
"I'm not interested in the ore," she said, "I do love it's shine, but if I was only interested in ore I would have stayed home. I want to search for other things of value."
"...I see. I certainly understand a desire for adventure." Regis thought for a moment, eyeing her carefully. Will recognized the look of some sort of business proposition forming in his mind. "You're staying at the inn, are you not? How are you getting the funds to pay for your stay?"
"I have savings from my other adventures, and my family sent me some money as well for this trip."
"Ah, then you aren't in any great need. Even so, would you consider working for my company?"
She blinked, "I beg your pardon?"
He chuckled, obviously pleased with the idea himself. "You would be free to keep any treasures you find of course, and I would pay you for any ore you dig; that way we both can profit, and you can search to your heart's content."
She touched a finger to her cheek, "It's not a bad idea...but I don't plan to stay on the islands long, no more than a year, perhaps."
"I'm content with a temporary engagement." Regis answered. "I have a similar arrangement with the farmer, Chelsea, on Ranch Island."
Lily thought a good few moments before answering, "Before I agree, I would like to get a look at the mine, if you don't mind."
"Of course!" Regis nodded, then waved Issac away. "You'll have to forgive me though, I won't be able to show you inside. I don't think I can stand being on this island a moment longer...it's far too hot."
She nodded, "You do appear to wear many unnecessary things." Before he could retort, she turned to Will. "Do you also work here?"
Will smiled kindly, though he didn't like where the conversation was going. "In a manner of speaking, Milady; Regis is my uncle. While I'm here, I'm to help him run things."
"Excellent, then you shall be my guide."
Just as he had feared. "I...your guide?"
"Into the mine, yes. You should be familiar with everything, should you not?"
More than I would like to be. "I am, but, ah-"
"I think that's a marvelous idea!" Regis put a hand on his shoulder, "William, you haven't been in the mine since you arrived, I'm sure your father would like it if you got acquainted with it."
Will had no words to reply. What could he possibly say? He looked towards the entrance. "Yes, I'm sure he would, Uncle."
"Then it's settled; Lily, my dear, when you've finished looking around you can come see me in my home and we can discuss this a bit further- -I live right next to the inn."
She nodded, then turned back to Will. "Are you ready?"
Whether he was or not, he was going in now. He swallowed, and did his best to put on a confident air. "Of course. Let's go inside."
And inside they went.
Despite being Lily's "guide", he couldn't help but follow a few steps behind her as they entered. She didn't seem to notice, being too busy looking around at everything. It was as though her whole countenance had changed. She had no issue with kneeling on the ground- -even in her lovely dress, to Will's dismay- -and looking at the soil. Will, on the other hand, was looking up at the ceiling rather than the ground. A memory he would much rather forget was trying to make itself known again and, try as he might to push it aside, it was stubborn this time. Was it only his memory, or was the ground beneath his feet shaking? The walls would fall at any moment. He could already feel air escaping-
No. He shut his eyes. That's not going to happen today.
Goodness, how much more pathetic can I be?
He looked back to Lily. She was here. He wasn't alone. Her mouth was moving- -is she talking to me?
"Forgive me," he said, "Could you repeat that?"
"I was asking how you descend deeper into the mine."
"Ah, right." He focused on answering her. "There are stairs. At times you have to dig a bit with a hoe to find them. There are also a lot of pitfalls, but I wouldn't recommend using those."
She laughed a little. "No, I don't particularly want to be injured."
"Have you seen enough, then? We can return to my uncle."
"Yes, I believe I have. I'd like to accept his offer."
He was relieved, both to hear that she accepted and that they could leave. "Wonderful!"
They stepped back out into the sunlight. Open air...thank you, Goddess.