#doc-roberts

{Music}

Sariah liked to keep a full itinerary, digs, surveying gigs, and supplementary education kept her apprised of all recent findings in the community. When not consumed with her career her mind was turned to the arts, everything from painting to needlepoint was a skill Sariah was mastering.

The mind rebels at stagnation.

Because of this rigid schedule, it has been months since Sariah visited home. "The Ungrateful Daughter." A self-given title as her mother had given Sariah everything, working her fingers to the bone to make sure her daughter could do what she truly wanted in life.

Now was a perfect time, two weeks free between this last dig and a three-month trip to Dalaran and the next dig, one to prepare and the other for a much-needed trip home. The small cottage was cleaned up, and necessary items were packed away into two crates, with a week's work of clothing and art supplies stuffed into knit luggage and a traveling art box.

In reality, Westfall was not that far away, but traveling by coach took a great deal longer with the constant stops, dropping off and picking up fare after fare, adding nearly two hours to the hour-long trip. It wasn't all bad, a chance to meet new people as well as time to catch up on some reading.

The early evening sun lit the region up like a land of gold, amber waves of the coming harvest and the sun's beaming rays casting warmth onto Sariah's cheeks, she was home.

"I never think this through." Sariah muttered to herself as she lugged her things the half-mile trek from the road, down the hill, and to the small house by the river. From the garden gate, she called out to her mother, who sat on the covered porch in a weathered rocking chair.

"There's my girl!" Myriah was a stunning woman, even at her age she would be considered the bell of the ball, and Sariah a carbon copy save Myriah's auburn curls and emerald eyes. "Get over here and hug my neck!" She called, standing slowly by the grace of a cane.

Sariah was all smiles until she notice her mother struggle to stand, rushing to her side and all but dropping her things to the ground. "Woah, Mom! What happened?!" She was in a tizzy having been unaware this had occurred.

"Now, don't fret, it only happened this morning." Myriah's arms wrapped around her only child, hugging her tight. "Tripped in the garden and twisted it, nothing dire I swear."

"Well, let's get you sitting down inside. I'll cook."

Continued from the last challenge here.

The camp was buzzing with excitement, now that each tent was set up and they were ready for the coming weeks, it was time to party. This was Sariah's first expedition with a free company and with the strict seriousness of the Kirin Tor and the Explorer's League, while fun maybe had the at ease nature was sorely lacking.

The sun had gone down, bringing ease to the company after hours in the heat, Sariah capitalized on the time to bathe in the nearby river before rejoining the festivities, hair dripping wet. "Oh, Jacob. What do you have there?" Sariah queried and the man chugged happily, pausing for breath before responding.

"Mead, the Leader of the company brews it, damn delicious." His voice boomed over the shouting and laughter around them, holding out the flagon to her, wastefully sloshing its contents about and spilling a bit.

"I am not much of a drinker," Sariah replied, her nose wrinkling at the thought, having not sampled a drink she actually liked. "The stuff is gross."

Jacob's mouth fell open in shock, being a lover of most kinds of drink. "Have you actually tried mead? It's made from honey, very different flavor." He offered again, holding out the drink to her.

"I suppose giving it a try would not be the worst..." Sariah resigned, taking the flagon in hand and raising it for a small sip...okay a large drink, turns out she likes mead, lifting the drink bottoms up and finishing its contents, leaving Jacob struck by her.

"Goodness Ma'am, that was impressive." He chuckled, scratching the back of his head nervously.

"Hah, I suppose I like mead. Barkeep! Another!" Sariah shouted, tossing her arms into the air and spilling the remaining drips of the mead.

"No barkeep here, but I'm happy to oblige." Jacob offered his arm to her, leading Sariah to where the booze lived and away from the life of temperance she had lived.

Continued from: Part 1 Part 2

The sun had been up two minutes and Sariah was already preparing for the day, her usual flowy skirts and gossamer shirts packed away for clothing more fitting for a dig. Blue denim overalls and a white cotton shirt, thick boots, and high socks to keep the bugs out; while most would wear gloves, Sariah much rathered to get to know the artifacts on her own, the sense of touch telling her so much valuable information.

With a bag packed with her tools, some snacks, and enough water to fill a camel's hump, Sariah began the hike to the dig, hoping to meet others as eager as she but was met with disappointment as the rest of the Company had yet to stir from their adventures the night before.

"No reason to wait, they'll catch up when they are ready." Sariah convinced herself, unpacking her tools and getting right to work within the first chamber of the tomb with so many twists and turns between her and the history buried within. Ancient markings from a long since dead language gave warnings to blind eyes, between the lost knowledge and wear, the words were long since illegible and their purpose lost to time.

Sariah was aware that some tombs came with traps, she had been taught to expect and how to notice when a step could spell her doom but nothing had prepared her for just how heavy the cloud of curiosity would fog her mind, excitement overruled logic as she found a hidden button that opened a door to the next chamber.

She knew better than to go alone, at least someone outside to know if she got hurt or trapped but as the camp dealt with their collective hangover Sariah continued on. The sealed chamber had protected the contents from the blasting of sand and so the carvings and paintings were preserved and in need of a little dusting. Oh, so carefully the delicate bristles of the brush gently cleared away layers of dust and sand to reveal the hidden words, comparing them to her notes from previous digs and adding new ones for context all while trying to decipher their meaning and glean a hint as to where the burial chamber was.

It became apparent that Sariah had dusted in the wrong spot as the door to the chamber slammed shut, locking her inside with no word to anyone that she had even come to the site. The only hint that something was amiss was the bag of food and water still outside on the table, her only hope was that someone would realize and find their way to opening the door as she had, her heart filled with fear that no one would find her in time as the air was limited.

The sun was minutes away from rising, leaving a dim blue hue on the surrounding sands as the camp packed up and prepared to set out for the last leg of their journey to base camp and a few days delving into her curiosity.

"So early and it's already sweltering." Jacob complained, agreeing to go on this adventure just to be sure his friend was safe, even though this expedition already had several hired hands for help and protection.

"Maybe wearing your full armor in the desert was poor planning?" Sariah teased, dressed in breathable linen, she could not imagine how uncomfortable he would be in plate. "Maybe the caravan's quartermaster has some leather or thick cloth to ease your suffering?" Although she spoke it like advice, the tonality and body language directed at the quartermaster was a pouty flirt, asking for a huge favor.

A brief moment of silence passed as the Dwarf crossed his arms and fought against her charms, failing miserably. "Ahhh! Fine! I've got ya covered." His gruff voice responded with a shout and a chuckle as he went to work gathering the items for Jacob.

"Thank you, Grizzly!" Sariah cooed, sending a beautiful smile in his direction.

"Anythin' for you Lass!! 'Mere Lad, get changed quick, we're heading out soon."

After a few minutes, the first horn sounded, signaling for everyone to get ready to set out, excitement began to grow for what lay ahead. Two horns blasts sounded and the convoy set off, the rising sun shining behind their backs as they start their journey through the ancient cities and shifting sands.