Tiger Eye - Sam (Stardew Valley)

28

Winter 28

Wren came out of the ocean, ringing out her hair. Her bathing suit on, she felt nice and refreshed, ready to start the day.

"I thought this was business? You relaxing already?" Sam asked as he carried his fishing rod and backpack across the dock.

"I was bathing. You should try it sometime." She said snarkily, grabbing her towel and clothes.

"What's on your agenda today?" He smiled as she met him on the shore.

"That volcano. I'm gonna explore it." She smirked, resulting in his face falling.

"No you're not." he said quickly, his eyebrows drawing together.

She recoiled slightly, her eyes narrowing, "Excuse me? Yes I am."

"No, Wren, you're not. You have no idea what's in there. You can't go in alone. Wait until tomorrow, I'll go with you." He said again. She was shock at the seriousness of his voice.

"Then you come today, because I'm going today." She was growing annoyed, crossing her arms.

"I can't today. I have my own job to do today, it's the last day of winter, I need to get as many water and fish samples to measure against what I get for the spring. We'll go tomorrow." 

She glared at him, pissed. But they were a team. 

"Fine. I'll only go the first level. I won't do in too deep." Her voice was flat, unimpressed.

"Promise me." He said, resulting in a eye roll.

"Funny that you care about promises now." She muttered.

She regretted saying it as soon as she did, watching him pull his lips to the side, shaking his head.

"Nice. Really nice. I'm gonna be working in that dig spot today." He turned, walking away from her towards the northern part of the Island.

She sighed, closing her eyes. That was mean, and she knew it. She swallowed hard, moving towards the boat to get changed. She'd have to make it up to him.

***

The compelling, luring feeling was overwhelming as she stood at the front of the volcano. She resisted it as long as she could, looking into the darkness.

She was dressed for the occasion, long pants, long sleeve shirt, steel toe boots, and had her sword.

She'd faced horrors in the caves. She'd never been taken down, just a few bumps and bruises, what was the worst that could happen if she went a little deeper that she told Sam she would...

She stepped forward with confidence, moving quickly through the darkness, the heat kissing her skin, making her sweat.

She came to a long, river of lava.

"Well. Shit." She sighed, thinking her adventure had already halted.

"SQUAWK"

She looked over, a parrot demanding walnuts. She was happy she swiped a few from her and Sam's hoard before leaving.

***

Wren grunted, heaving heavily as she kicked the last slime on the 3rd floor into a pool of lava.

Sure, it was hard work. These things did not go down without a fight... but she was managing. 

She peaked up the staircase to the next floor, trying to spot anything that may be waiting to jump out at her.

Cautiously, she walked up. Silence.