Shiny

The chirping, and yipping was getting closer, before several 2.5-foot tall, scaly humanoids, with crocodile like snouts and leg joints pointing backwards, started appearing from the numerous openings lining the chamber. After they surrounded me, they start pointing at me and talking back and forth in a language I couldn't understand, while one of them approached with trepidation, and poked me with a stick.

Still hanging upside down from the trap, and slowly spinning, I calmly asked, "Can someone let me down?" When I spoke several of them, took a step back, and looking between me and each other with worried looks before eventually one of them stepped forward and in high pitch, somewhat disjointed voice said, "Why are you here? This is our nest; you shouldn't come here."

I cautiously said, "I am sorry, I was looking for some ores, and just wandered in. I had no idea that you were here," before gesturing to the rope.

The creature looked thoughtful before asking, "What were you looking for?" I started explaining my search for green rocks and silvery metal crystals, and how I had already found the green rocks, but had started going deeper looking for the other.

"I will help you" the small lizardman said, before they grabbed a spear from someone nearby and quickly cut the rope. Suddenly plummeting to the ground headfirst, I tucked my waist and pivoted in the air landing upright with my arms stretched out to my side. Several of those nearby looked surprised and a few even started clapping excitedly.

Having been freed and being slightly bemused by the small excitable lizards, I took a dramatic bow. The one who freed me started pulling me away. While we walked, I said, "Hey I have never seen a race like yours before, what are you?"

"I am a Kobold female, my name is Niks the descendent of mighty dragons" she said proudly pounding her flat scaled chest.

We continued talking as we walked, and I found out lots about her race. Apparently, Kobolds don't really care about genders, because there really wasn't any outward difference, especially because, like some of the reptiles from my previous world, they can switch genders if there is a need for it. She also went on about her dragon heritage, before suddenly pulling me down and whispering, "Most Kobolds are self-conscious about being so short, and will get mad if you mention it"

Around this time Isabel appeared from my pack yawning and starching, realizing we were somewhere else with a strange creature she had never seen before. She flew to my opposite shoulder, and poking out from around my head asked, "What is going on?"

Surprised by the sudden appearance of the fairy, Niks jumps back, a purple glow emanating from her hands as the shadows around the tunnel began to dance. Quickly I held up my hands and began trying to explain that the fairy was my traveling companion and had been sleeping in my pack.

As I spoke both Niks and Isabel started to calm down, eventually we started walking again, and I asked, "How to heck did you sleep through everything that happened?"

"I don't know, when you woke me up, I just snuggled up to the slimes and went back to sleep" she replied a confused look across her face.

With each step, the tunnel seemed to widen, and the occasional drip echoing around us. The air began to become humid and dim, bioluminescent moss that covered the cave's walls creating an eerie yet beautiful ambiance, casting strange and captivating shadows around us.

Niks, ever the talkative guide, shared more of her world with us. "You know," she began, her voice echoing softly in the tunnel, "Kobolds are known for their love of shiny objects. We find metals like gold and silver, but they're rare in our tunnels. Most of the precious things we encounter are gems, and we use them on our homes and clothing." Lifting her necklace, trying to show off the lustrous beads of gold and small gems on a leather cord.

Isabel, now fully immersed in our conversation, chimed in with curiosity, "Why do you all like shiny things so much?"

Niks grinned, revealing her sharp teeth. "I think it's in our blood, you see. Our dragon ancestors were known to hoard all sorts of treasures. It's said that some of that dragon greediness passed down to us kobolds." I couldn't help but chuckle, finding the idea of miniature dragon-like creatures coveting treasures both amusing.

Our chatter continued as we ventured deeper into the tunnel. The ambiance shifted, and the tunnel gradually transformed, we found ourselves amidst breathtaking geological wonders. The walls were adorned with crystalline structures that shimmered like stars in a moonless night. The colors of the minerals were mesmerizing, ranging from deep azure to radiant sapphire.

It was a mineralogist's paradise, and I couldn't contain my excitement. "Look at this," I marveled, carefully chipping away a piece of deep blue crystal from the cavern wall. "These are azurite crystals, and that one over there is chalcanthite. Amazing! And I think I just found some cassiterite!"

Niks gazed at the spectacle, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Cassiterite, you say? What's it used for?"

"Cassiterite contains tin, which is essential for producing bronze," I explained. "It's the missing piece I've been searching for, the key to advancing in the Bronze Age."

Isabel, fascinated by the glistening crystals, couldn't help but add, "These are the most beautiful rocks I've ever seen. Also what do you mean by the bronze age?"

Realizing the mistake I had made in my excitement, sputtering slightly, I started a long winded explanation about civilation developement, how there were general stages like tools, basic art, and making things out of softer mentals like gold. Before long Isabels eyes glazed over as she went back to inspecting the mineral deposits around the room, Niks was a little better but still faltered when I started describing how producing art and taking care of injured people were the first signs of civilization advancing.

After I was sure that both had long forgoten my slip up, we spent some time collecting the precious minerals, especially the tin-containing cassiterite. My trusty basket cum backpack began filling up with our valuable discoveries.

As we continued to explore, I eventually turned to Niks. "Thank you for guiding us to this remarkable place, Niks. We couldn't have found these incredible minerals without your help."

Niks the kobold nodded, her tail swaying with satisfaction. "You're welcome, Adam. Just remember to save some of that shiny metal for me."

With a bag full of crystals and precious ores, our conversation shifted to a more practical topic. I turned to Niks and asked, "Now, Niks, do you know a way to the surface, preferably southwest of the mountain?"

Niks led me to one of the smaller tunnels we had come across, and said, "follow this, eventually you will find an entrance to the surface." With Isabel sitting on the pack waving enthusiastically, I walked down the tunnel, finally making my way back to camp.