It's a summer evening.
The sun is dipping below the horizon, hiding behind the silhouette of Mount Incisor. The sky above Mount Molar has turned a dark shade of purple as the darkness of the nightfall mixes with the red glow of volcanoes.
Murders of crows can be seen flying towards the sunset, while the bats are screeching and flying out of their hidden den in swarms. Along with the animals, miners of all species can be seen walking away from the mountain.
Even after the large explosion, Mount Molar continues to be mined. With Tephra being recognised, and Lavata being placated, the volcanic activity of this volatile mesa has been practically halted. These miners are employees of Fort Hammerfell, and they camp nearby on a grassfield that has claimed the blasted mountainside full of fertile volcanic ashes.
A young Volgecko is lagging behind. It is young, and seemingly green to the profession. Her toolbelt and pickaxe seem too large for its tiny frame. The older workers are walking ahead, laughing and jesting with one another, not noticing the young colleague lagging behind.
Eventually, their laughter is replaced by the howling of bats. The young Volgecko tries to shout out to its colleague, but it has lagged back too far behind.
While the Goddess of Lava has full command of the monster in the Lizard’s Fangs, accidental encounters with the Obsidilings and Lava Vipers can still lead to injury.
But the day of work was too much for Volgecko to bear. Its equipment are too heavy, and its legs are too weak.
Thus, it was forced to sit down.
It found a rock to the side of the walking trail. The cool night wind picks up as the Volgecko sits down on the rock.
It nervously looks around from time to time, checking its safety.
All is calm. The bats are flying around dipping in and out of the small bushes and chasing the bugs that are airborne.
The surrounding is getting dark, and so the Volgecko made a mental note to light its mining lamp before setting off.
Wait…is that…?
The Volgecko instinctively drops to the rocky dirt floor, as the ground begins to shake gently at first before getting stronger.
A volcanic explosion!? This was not predicted!!!
The Volgecko braces for the loud cracking of the rocks and lava.
The shaking continues for a few seconds longer, before completely subsiding.
My child… it is not an explosion.
The animals have all gone quiet, leaving only a loud booming voice.
Its surrounding is now covered in a bright tinge of orange as it turns toward the owner of the voice.
Standing almost two times taller, with molten lava seeping from her orifices and dark glistening obsidian for her skin, the Goddess of Lava, Tephra, is looking at the young Volgecko.
My apology, I would have offered my hand, but… that might immolate you.
Tephra leans down and crouches beside the Volgecko, patiently waiting for it to stand up.
But being in the presence of its goddess seems to mesmerise it too much, and thus the Volgecko takes her sweet time to stand up.
Your highness! Ahhh, um, my apology for staring too long. What are you doing in this boring place?
The Volgecko has finally regathered itself, bowing its head down as it speaks.
Well, I was coming back from my evening walk, and then I happened to come across this place… wow, I cannot believe that it has been a year since my release.
The goddess shakes her head gently, while her orange glowing eyes stare at the flat top of the volcano.
Ah, yes my liege, I do recall your tales…. Is it true that your sister goddess is still up there somewhere?… oh no, no no… my deepest apology, I should not ask you–
But Tephra cuts Volgecko off from its bout of apologies.
No no… you are fine, my child… Everyone deserves to hear my story, and I owe everyone an apology for such a violent time in our home. And yes, IT's still up there… I haven’t been to the secret shrine myself, but… I can feel IT.
The air that was pleasantly warm around the goddess suddenly feels shivering. As if mentioning the existence of the previous goddess of lava has brought something out of the earth.
Oh my… my liege, if you can feel IT, then that means….
The goddess nods. Her eyes still glare up the mountain, while the Volgecko begins to look around nervously.
Don’t worry, my child, it will take decades before the Leyline regains its strength. Plus, the instructions to unseal IT are… currently lost.
The goddess speaks with intent, before turning back to the Volgecko.
But perhaps…you might be right to be concerned. I should make more frequent visits to this site… and eventually the shrine. After all, IT is still my family… And I must guard it from being reawakened.
Another gust of cold night wind. The rushing gust sweeps through the cracks in the rocky mountains and bushy trees generate a weeping whistling sound that sends shivers down the Volgecko’s spine.
It’s getting late… may I accompany you on the walk back to your camp?
The Volgecko instantly shakes its head.
My liege! That is toooo much for someone as lowly as me to receive. Please! It’s only a short walk…
Tephra replies with a shake of her own head.
Nuh uh… I can feel them… the Lava Vipers. Ever since I soothed the volcanic activities in the whole region, they have been hungry. A few of them are nearby too… I do not want you to become their feast.
The Volgecko looks around in panic. It cannot see anything, and yet the words of its goddess makes it seem like these Lava Vipers may slither out of the ground at any time.
Besides… I could use some company. You and your miner friends must have some nice tales to tell…
Tephra smiles as she begins to walk side-by-side with the young Volgecko down the mountain trail.
Their backs are turned against the mountain, and its shrine up top, as the wind continues to weep and screech through the night.