Crystal Facets

Delta

Once Trollex had woken up, the trolls had insisted that he tell them about the night before. He had come home so tired that they didn't even have a chance the night before. Now they were sitting around his bowl, while he regaled them with an altered version of the tale, one where he didn't actively try to antagonize the worm that was big enough to swallow him whole. Instead he said he had watched from a safe distance as events unfolded.

By the time he was done, Branch looked about ready to tear his hair out. "How in the.... Why didn't you come home immediately? I mean, really! No self-preservation, I swear..." He rubbed at his temples, shooting Trollex an exasperated look. "I'm voting that we don't let you go into the ocean for a long while. At least until we can figure out a way to send someone with you..."

Trollex sighed, nodding a bit. "Yeah, I figured that's what you guys would say that... But I actually had an idea! Ever heard of tide pools?"

Barb parked up at that, her hand shooting up. "Oh, oh! I know! They're little puddles filled with stuff from the ocean!"

He blinked, clearly surprised by the other's knowledge. "Um, yeah! That's pretty much right. Normally they aren't very large, but I'm positive that with the world so big, the tide pools must be too!"

Delta had stayed quiet during the discussion so far, listening to Trollex's story and taking some time to work through the minor details of it. He tapped her hoof against the hardwood floor beneath them, calling the attention of the other trolls. "I think checkin' out these tide pools might be our best bet. We can't keep him from the ocean, that's just cruel."

She glanced up, but quickly wished she hadn't when she saw Trollex's bright, sparkling eyes. She really wasn't used to other trolls being so cute... She swallowed thickly, scratching at her cheek as she looked away. "And I might be willin' ta bring 'im if no one else is up for the trip. I don't get out much with hooves clackin on wood."

There was a splashing sound, and she looked up just in time to see Trollex about to latch onto her in a hug. She had no time to react, letting out a squeak as she was knocked onto her back by the young king. She was doing her utmost not to show the blush dusting her cheeks as he nuzzled into her, soaking her top as he thanked her repeatedly.

She eventually managed to get him off of her, and he opted for sitting next to her while he waited to dry off. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something about the aquatic troll seemed to disarm her. She had to be careful about that...

She perked up when Branch spoke, pinching the bridge of his nose a bit. "I trust you Delta, but I'm still not too sure... Sounds like this world is filled with creatures like that crystal monster...But you're right, we can't stop doing what we need to just because it's dangerous, I suppose..."

After a few more minutes of deliberation amongst the trolls, they eventually agreed that Trollex and Delta would head down to the beach on the opposite side of the cliff and check out the tide pools amongst the rocks.

Delta had a few things she needed to get together for the trip, mostly simple things like her lasso and a few scraps of cloth, just in case one of them got hurt. She also packed a small portion of food for them to eat, and stored it all in the bag Trollex carried. They were soon on their way out, Trollex hovering near Delta as she made her way to the stairs.

Trollex hovered a bit higher. "I'll scout ahead; make sure there's no one that'll spot us!" He darted off into the air, glancing about as he did. She was happy he was cautious enough to scout ahead, and when she received a nod from him, she began to leap down the stairs.

She hated that she couldn't head out as much as she liked. While all the other trolls could sneak around effectively, she never developed that skill. There wasn't a need to in Lonesome flats. Heck, if anything, you NEEDED to be loud! Being loud sent things running, and being quiet was hard with hooves.