[Crystal Cavern] In Search of Treasure (Yvette)

[Ils'a]

Summer 10, 512


There was a steady rushing sound, even several hundred paces from the thin, high waterfall. Ils’a’s lantern was one small pool of golden light bouncing off the iridescent walls of the huge cavern. Ghostly shadows bounced and wavered on the irregular columns of rock that hung from the ceiling, as she moved closer to the sound. To those who knew the way, the cavern with one of the highest falls in the cave complex was surprisingly close to one of the entrances from the hills on the southern shore of the lake. Therefore, the trail in and out was well marked, and not hard to follow, or find. The caves went on for many leagues, and even the Konti had to be quite careful not to get lost in their wandering depths. But this particular spot was one where Ils’a had encountered others of her sisters from time to time. It wasn’t complete, undiluted privacy which she sought. In fact, she had not come to the Crystal Cavern to be alone. Her intent was to slide into the pool formed at the foot of the fall, in search of another sample of the pink crystal she had found here a few weeks back. In the dimness of the cavern, it had been impossible to tell its true color when first her hand had lighted upon it. But in the light of day, it was breathtaking, with a clarity she had never seen before. Ils’a had gifted the fist sized ovular sample to a traveling scholar in Mura, who had been fascinated and very grateful. Now she had thought to return and see if she could find another of its like, to keep for herself.

Reaching the edge of the pool, she set her lantern down, removed her outer dress, and slid into the water wearing a light, short shift of a silky type material. She could swim unencumbered in this garment. For many minutes, she traversed under the surface and around the edges of the wide but rather shallow pool. With her webbed fingers she felt about for something similar to what she had found before, but to no avail. Thinking to check on the status of her lantern, she surfaced, pulled herself out of the water, and sat on the smooth rock ledge, trying to decide what her next foray would involve.