Vekla POV

Watching everything from the camp just...vanish, is shocking, not only to myself but to every one else. Padding over to the Chieftain and Vahlu a quick nod of greeting is all the notice they get before I speak.

"Curator has prepared space for us, and, moved everything there already. Poppit, the scion that you have met, will be acting as an escort and guide, to keep every one safe on the journey. Since we don't have to cary anything, we should make fairly good time, and Curator said they will provide us water and such as we travel if needed."

Turning to start walking in the direction that my heart tells me the core is in, Vahlu would speak up.

"So, now we are indebted to it. It's going to want something of us. Mark my words, it's got plans on how to use us up and toss us aside."

Hearing a sharp smack, a quick glance over my shoulder would show the irritable hunter rubbing the back of his head while hunched forward. His brother, the chieftain, shaking his hand some from the force of that smack.

"We do the same, do we not. We see people who could be of use, and assign them to that which will give the most use to the tribe, regardless of what they do or don't want. You didn't want to be the named one, yet, you ended up as such. I did not wish to be chieftain, but due to my connection to you, and your refusal to lead, I ended up in this role. What of the elderly that can no longer provide for the tribe, be it through hunting, or makings, do we not discard them should they not be able to provide something that is needed?"

Nodding with the chieftains words, I, once more would speak up.

"Curator even asked if I wished to receive this gift. They gave me choice in it, and I accepted. That's more than the tribe has ever been able to do. They even give us the most precious of gifts one can get in the desert. Pure, clean, water and food that, while strange is more satiating than anything I have had before. They even warned of a need for caution to ensure we don't get sick or die, from eating to much too quickly, and, how to test if food is poison to us in a more reliable way. Even without magic to check for such things. They do have need of us, this much is very true, yet, we also have need of them and what they can provide to us and our little clan."

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Seeing the chieftain nod in agreement as Vahlu stands back up to sheepishly rub the back of his head. He looks, truly abashed by his behavior, although it's hard to tell if he truly feels that way. Turning once again to look toward the distant horizon we all walk toward, the soft conversations would sound of a mix of anxiety, apprehension, and excitement. Smiling to myself as we walk, a thought strikes me, how will they react to seeing the temple Curator has made for them self?

-Some number of hours later-

"What is that, off in the distance?"

Ah, it seems the Chieftain was the first to spot it. Shielding my eyes from the mid morning sun, it's easy to see the odd shape in the distance of that temple through the haze of heat. Chuckling to myself and shaking my head as everyone continues that trek, it's easy to respond.

"Oh, you'll see soon enough. At least for you all it's already there. It was quite the shock when I rode Poppit out here and they rose that temple out of the sands."

With that small statement, both Vahlu and the Chieftain suddenly come to a stop. The pair of brothers just gaping at me, almost dumb founded. After a moment they'd get their wits about them and take a few quick steps to catch up.

"You mean...they brought something up from under the sands which is so tall to see it from this far out?!"

Ah, Vahlu is the first to ask. Not surprising as the chieftain is mumbling and shaking his head incredulously.

"Yes, it was quite the sight to see too, and watching a stone made out of sand grow to make protective weaves around the...sanctum I guess, they made at the top was even more impressive. I'd say the most impressive thing though was the other scion, who they said was their first. Grimoire Scorpion, easily the size of a hand. She can even talk, quite eloquently too, didn't get much time to speak with her, but, being named and having a role given too me from Curator seemed to make her more than slightly jealous. Heh, Curator's response to that was a small lecture, and letting her, I believe the name of the scion was 'Babe', know that they would be getting their role within the domain at night, so they could rest. The dungeon core even cares about things like when it's scions need to rest and the like."

If the pair could have been even more stupefied than this moment, I'm unsure. Yet, they still trudge forward, despite the clear, mind numbing confusion. It seems they, much like I had originally thought, were completely caught up in the old legends of more.....cruel dungeons and the like. Ah well, they will learn better in time if this is anything to go off of. It's not long till we cross the border into the dungeons domain, everyone can feel it, like a slight presence at the edge of your perception, most seem to just be confused by it. However I am surprised.

"Hmmm...the domain is...bigger now too. Interesting...."

Curator POV

It's easy to feel when that tribe enters my borders. Seems after Babe's evolution that bubble has grown immensely, then again, maybe it's cause most of that space is just empty. Now the real question is, a little mischief or not...eh, let's not. Those skinkles are likely all out of sorts already with everything after all!

'Hey, Babe, our new guests and tenants will be here soon. Would you do a little meet and greet, maybe guide them to the area I set up for their camp?'