"How much did you two drink?" Lluvia asked.

"Not now please, I'm dying." I muttered in agony.

"She really can't handle alcohol very well…" an only mildly groggy Turnip said.

"Look I'm a social drinker and we were being social… please fucking end me…" I groaned.

Congratulations! Through repeated actions your Cursing skill has improved and is now eligible for rank up!

Rank D is a free rank!

"Great… even my notifications are mocking me with a level up… Also, does anyone know of any good ways to cure a hangover?" I asked.

"I'll find a herb shop… I could use something myself." Turnip said, then wandered off.

I felt a movement on the side of my bed and felt Lluvia's hand stroke my hair.

"Here let's get some water in you at least." She said and I heard a pitcher of water fill a cup.

"Here." She said and I sat up.

"You two must have had a hell of a conversation last night." She commented.

"Yep, philosophical discussion really can go into some unusual territory… you slept well while we kept partying?" I then asked

"Yep, once I squashed my own insecurities." She said.

I leaned into her after that comment. "I don't play games or chase others nor am I into polyamorius relationships. You have nothing to worry about from me." I said and squeezed her hand, then a moment later.

"Unless mind control is a thing I guess… but then I'm not in control so my statement would still stand… assuming you believed me…" I said more as a joke.

"Mind control is not a thing… I think." She said then under her breath added the last bit.

I sat there and drank as much water as I could force myself to which was not much. Then maybe 15 minutes later Turnip arrived.

She then handed me a hard smallish ball of something wrapped in a leaf.

"Swallow that with plenty of water, I ordered hot water and already and it will be up in a moment." She said.

I was about to put it in my mouth but then paused. "What is it exactly?" I asked.

"No questions, only swallow." She ordered.

The outside while covered in a leaf had some clear hard shell over it. A small taste relieved it to be sweet. I then tossed it in my mouth with as much water as I could hold then swallowed. It went down after a panicked second of my body revoltingly against the indignity of swallowing something not liquid.

"Ok done now will you tell me what's in it?" I asked.

"Sure, I don't know, I didn't ask." Turnip said.

About 20 or 25 minutes later I got a warm sensation in my stomach that turned then slightly cool, then dissipated slowly. Maybe 5 minutes after the cool sensation started I felt the headache starting to recede. About the same time I got the urge to want to do something and the feeling of energy.

"Ok definitely feeling better." I said.

"Same… these worked better than anything else I have tried in the past." Turnip said.

"Hmm I'm going to check with the alchemist or her list you got these from… I'm a bit suspicious." I said.

"About what?" Lluvia asked.

"Are there any forms of illegal drugs on Dirt?" I asked.

"Known poisons mostly, some cities or towns might ban more if it's a serious problem." Lluvia added.

"Ok are narcotics illegal here?" I asked in a quieter voice.

"Umm not sure. What do you think was in there?" Turnip asked.

"Crystal sugar shell on top of a sort of spice leaf or flower, under that was most likely mint, under that was likely some sort of mild narcotic and at the very core some sort of stimulant." I said. I got confused looks in return.

"Umm, potentially very addictive stuff, although I don't expect them to be very strong." I then said.

"So would one or two of those get someone addicted?" Turnip asked.

"Maybe, I think it depends more on the person." I said.

"Well then seeing as how you handled alcohol no more of those for you." She said.

"Damn… also likely a good idea. I've had problems with stimulants in the past…" I said.

After a few more minutes I felt mostly normal, the concoction whatever it was seemed very potent.

"So what's the plan for today?" I asked.

"We did some chatting yesterday night while you two were chatting. So we were informed of an open dungeon a few hours away. It's a bit of a hike but should be rather interesting." Lluvia said.

"You guys didn't run it when you were last here?" I asked.

"We were more focused on getting to the town where we found you." Lluvia said

"Mind you we would likely be hiring back just as fast if we weren't trying to help you level." She added.

"Oh ok then, well I guess we will want to collect everyone and head to the dungeon." I said.

"In a bit, Orlo is currently looking for supplies, this is a longer one apparently. Unless you want to snack on hardtack." She said.

"Ah good point, did anyone give our group information on what to do?" I asked.

"No but seeing as this is a long one we chose to hire a local delver to assist. Normally dungeons get more finicky the more members you bring but this one can apparently accept up to 8 without expecting to encounter any other changes. The length is the problem apparently. It can take a new group over 2 days to complete." Lluvia said.

"Is that an unusually long time?" I asked.

"Very much so, the longest dungeon we did was about 6 hours. This one, well some groups have had to sleep in there." She added.

"Up to 48 hours that… wow. I've heard of a few that could take 8 to 12 but 48?" Turnip said.

"Apparently it's used as part of the Seeker's training and evaluation process. Also that is on the upper end normally a very well versed group can do it in 8. We can probably do it in 12 from what we were told, 18 without a guide." Lluvia said.

"That's still a hell of a slog through who knows what. Do we have any idea right now what we might run into?" I asked.

"One aspect for the time is due to each floor is a maze of caverns with the impression that you are very deep underground. As for what we might encounter we were told ambush predators and any number of 'humanoid' creatures." Lluvia said.

That got me thinking about the Underdark from D&D. I was considering telling my friends my suspicions but held back I would wait to see. Even if it was an emulation of the Underdark, why is the question.

"Nicole you ok?" Lluvia asked.

"Oh sorry I was just thinking, the more I learn about Dirt well I am just wondering why. I have so many questions. Like what would happen if you dug into a dungeon from elsewhere." I said.

"Dungeon thresholds act as portals, to where? We have no idea. Wait, you've been good about figuring stuff out. I'm surprised you didn't realize in the first dungeon." Turnip said.

"Oh I probably realized something was up and forgot to ask then." I said.

"Alright, fair you were learning a lot that day." Turnip said.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

"That just made me realize another question, why not use extra dimensional storage. I mean I get why new adventures might not due to the possible cost." I said.

"Extra dimensional storage? I think I get the concept but I have never heard of any items that do anything with dimensions." Lluvia said and Turnip nodded in agreement.

"Hmm maybe I should fix that… if I can understand dimensional magic. Is that a thing?" I asked.

I just got confused looks in return.

"Alright then, well let's go to the herbalist then find the others and collect some gear." I said.

"No herbalist… I see that's a bad idea already." Turnip said.

"Well it's either concentrate on dungeon prep or fall back to sleep." I said.

"What? You can sleep with your body feeling like it's ready for a run?" Turnip asked.

"Stimulants don't quote work on me the same way. Some people's brains are just wired differently, it's uncommon but hardly rare where I come from." I added.

"Maybe we should get her more? Part of me is kind of curious what this turns into." Lluvia said.

"No, we are not drugging Nicole to run an experiment… but I will pick up some more. Who knows when something like that would be useful, but only for emergencies." Turnip said, looking at me.

We headed out to find the rest of the group, as we were walking I could still feel my hangover. It wasn't gone but just masked instead. Turnip was right as well, I didn't want to tell the group about my previous problems with stimulants. I had enough self control to quick before it really became a problem last time but who knows where it might lead me here.

We found Root and Orlo at a shop haggling over some goods.

"Morning you two… what are we collecting today?" I asked.

"Climbing gear, for you and extras or replacements for the rest of us." Orlo said.

"O umm… so I can handle climbing. I've done that before… but will we need to squeeze through very tight passages?" I asked.

"Almost definitely, are you claustrophobic?" Orlo asked.

"Never really thought about it before but yeah probably to some degree." I said.

"Well Turnip can go first if she can't fit then we would need to find a way around anyway." Orlo said

"Hey I'm standing right here…" Turnip said.

"I know and you're the largest of our party." Orlo said, Turnip just gave them a pissed off look.

"Alright we have the gear and we will be meeting our guide in about 30 minutes. Does everyone have their stuff?" Root asked.

"Do we have a rock chisel and hammer? Might be useful for expanding any smaller passage even just a little." I asked Root.

"You should listen to your friend there, she knows what she's about." The Shopkeeper said.

"Nicole, you get to carry any digging equipment we might need then. Besides, half of us are going to be weighed down with additional rope and supplies." Root said.

"Any chemical lights?" I asked the shopkeep.

"As a matter of fact yes we do." He then pulled out two vials of clear liquid.

"Both extracts, one from a bug, the other from a plant. Mix the two together and shake and you will have a light source that will work for 12 hours even underwater, as long as you keep the cap on." He added.

"It's a little pricey but it's been know to help at critical times in this dungeon." He said.

"Sure…" Root said reluctantly, I had no doubt I was eating up reserves of money for the group. I would need to figure out a way to pay them back.

"How about healing potions? Everyone good on them?" The shopkeep asked.

"Yes we are fine… no we are not fine she needs at least two and a belt holder. And a belt… and some pants and a shirt I guess." Root began then with a great huff listed out the rest.

"You are going to need to wear pants in this dungeon. It's just going to be more practical." Root said.

"Okay" I said and gave a shrug.

"Oh I want to see her in pants." Lluvia said. I was a little confused about the enthusiasm. I was getting my butt back from all the walking we had at least.

I went back to my room to change and collect the rest of my gear. The pants seemed not too dissimilar denim without the iconic blue dye. The shirt was of a wool material, if the colors had been correct I would have looked like a lumberjack.

I stepped out of my room and was greeted by an eager Lluvia and Turnip.

"What's up?" I asked.

"O umm we just wanted to get a good look as to how you looked." Lluvia said. And to this I did a quick spin around. Turnip just smiled but Lluvia seemed almost disappointed.

"Ok what's going on? Something is clearly up." I asked.

"I was waiting for you to be all embarrassed and was going to tease you for having to wear pants." Lluvia said.

"I’ve worn pants for most of my life. On top of that women in my culture wear pants just as much as skirts." I told Lluvia with a wide grin.

"See told you, besides it really does make her butt stand out now." Turnip said.

"I suppose… cultural differences ruin all the fun." Lluvia said.

"Wait, I have seen you both wear pants before as part of your armor." I said.

"Yeah and I only do that for dungeons." Lluvia countered.

We headed back to the spot where we said we would meetup and meet the guide. During the walk I introduced the concept of skinny jeans to the pair.

Orlo, and a somewhat rumpled looking Iser were already waiting.

"Did you sleep at all?" I asked Iser.

"Yes, I might have just woken up… I had a few too many last night." Iser said.

"Oh you need to try one of these little hangover cures, it works great just drink plenty of water as well… Do medicines work on Kobolts the same way on Humans and such." I asked.

"Most do but not all, a small handful can be toxic." Iser said and took the offered 'cure' from Turnip. Then they sniffed it.

"No, nothing toxic in here but you both know what's in this right?" They asked.

"Yeah, I figured it out quite quickly after ingesting one. Also how did you smell that?" I asked.

"I have a version of insight or identity but for smell. It's quite valuable for determining unknown materials." Then much more quietly they added "and potential mates."

"Right… well let's see how the Kobolts react to drugs. Anyone have popcorn? Iser would you like me to document anything?" I said.

"Lluvia's personally is starting to taint yours." Orlo said.

"Oh I've always been this bad, I'm just starting to feel comfortable with everyone." I offered.

"By dirt please no…" Turnip prayed.

After several more minutes Root approached with another individual that I assumed would be our guide.

"Everyone this is Fin, he will be our guide in this dungeon.” Root said.

Fin was a Bun with big black ears in his mid-20 by the looks of him, wiry build, and I suspected was very flexible.

The response everyone gave clued Root in that something was off.

“Is everyone ok?” Root asked hesitantly.

“Yep fine.” I said with a big smile.

“Anyone else besides Nicole want to chime in?” he asked.

“Did anyone take a hangover ‘cure’?” Fin asked.

“No?” I said unconvincingly.

“Yeah… Well, check in with me tomorrow. I do not take in inebriated individuals.” Fin said.

"So you all just took some random ‘cure’ from some random person?” Root asked.

"No, I got it from Turnip. She got them from a stranger. So I am perfectly fine." I replied.

"Oh… ok point taken." I said with a moment of clarity.

"Fuck… well there goes an entire day. Who all took one?" Root then asked.

Turnip, myself, Iser, and to my surprise Lluvia all raised our hands.

"Wait, you didn't seem hungover." I said to Lluvia.

"Well I was curious." She said with embarrassment.

"Yeah… I am going to double my rate after seeing this." Fin said with a toothy smile.

"Fuck…" Root muttered to himself.

"Alright little Buns back to the Inn with all of you." Root said with some annoyance.

"Little bun! I have been called that since I was 8!" Turnip said indignantly.

"Well you're a little bun today because you got half the group high." Root said.

"O yeah… that's a good point… opps." Turnip said as she started to wander back towards the Inn.

Due to the embarrassing state of our little party Root opted to rent out a private lounge.

It was a bit small for 6 people but I didn't mind as I had taken the opportunity to sit on Lluvia's lap.

"Alright… after seeing the group I am somewhat interested in trying some myself…" Root said a bit embarrassed, then continued "I mean the day is already shot… so might as well enjoy myself… you all already are."

Root then grabbed one of the extra 'hangover' cures and plopped it in his mouth.

"Orlo join us?" I asked.

"I am good, one of us should stay sober at the very least. Also if the stimulant is what I think it is, it would make me very sick." They said.

"Hey I just realized it's been over an hour since I took one. Why have I not started to come down yet it feels just as intense as when I first took it." I asked.

"You think too much Nicole." Lluvia said then pressed her mouth to mind. I figured she was just going for an affectionate kiss but then her tongue forced its way into my mouth.

"They have been enhanced with magic." Iser said.

I pulled my mouth away from Lluvia's then told her "Not here please it's too public."

"Oh fine, but tonight you're mine… you owe me for missing last night" She added.

"We are an absolute mess right now aren't we…" I asked the group.

I received a chorus of affirmatives to that comment.

We just kind of hung out for about a half an hour all of us sort of spaced out. Well except for Orlo they seemed to kind of enjoy the show we put on with random comments and poking each other. Lluvia and I kept teasing each other with kisses, whispers, and tickling for instance.

It was at that point we heard a knock at the door.

"It is occupied, we do not wish to be disturbed." Orlo responded for the group.

The door was open and we were greeted by a Centaur deer person and an Elf-like face, the Centaur-like person seemed to look a bit familiar.

"Sir we have kindly asked you not to disturb us please leave." Our Harpy friend started to say.

"Ah so you were the group the Seeker Har'chr and Seeker Alser meet along the road. We have some questions for all of you." The Elf man said.