Whisper Of The Forgotten Realm
The Encounter
The expedition base camp is nestled in a lush, dense jungle. The air is humid and filled with the sounds of exotic wildlife. Tents and equipment are scattered around, with a large communal tent serving as the mess hall and gathering place. The camp is alive with the bustle of preparation and anticipation.
Lian steps into the base camp, absorbing the vibrant chaos. His eyes dart around, taking in the flurry of activity
Lian
Wow, this place is something else.
Ren approaches with a welcoming grin, his calm demeanor cutting through the busyness of the camp
Dr. Ren
Hey, you must be Lian.
Lian
Yes, that’s me. And you are?
Ren extends his hand with a friendly smile.
Dr. Ren
Dr. Ren, but just call me Ren. Welcome to the jungle!
Lian
*Shakes hand*. Nice to meet you. I’m a bit overwhelmed, to be honest
Dr. Ren
*Laughs softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement*
It’s perfectly normal. Just avoid the camp coffee and keep an eye out for giant spiders.
Ren guides Lian through the camp, pointing out different areas and introducing him to team members
Maria waves enthusiastically from across the camp, her bright demeanor standing out.
Mariya
Hey there, Lian! I’m Maria, the plant guru. If you need to know anything about jungle plants or just want a laugh come find me!
Lian
Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. I could use a laugh!
Tom from his equipment station, waves and shouts over with a smirk.
Tom
Ren, are you already scaring the newbies? You know, we need to save some of the fun for later!
Dr. Ren
*Chuckles, looking back at Tom*
Just trying to prepare them for the unexpected. Besides, it’s all part of the adventure.
Lian
*Laughs, feeling more at ease*
Sounds like I’m in for quite the experience.
Tom holds up a gadget with a mischievous grin.
Tom
And if you want to experience the full range of our tech’s quirks, just ask me. Yesterday, the GPS decided it was time for a vacation and sent us to the middle of a swamp
Mariya
*smirk* Yeah, Tom’s tech might be a bit... unpredictable. We once used it to find a ‘lost artifact’ that turned out to be a lunchbox
Mariya
Just remember, if you see Tom tinkering with anything, it’s probably best to run a quick check to ensure it won’t send you to the moon
Lian
*Grins*
Noted. I guess I should start preparing for an adventure of epic proportions.
Dr. Ren
*Smiles warmly*
Exactly. Let’s get you settled in. If you can survive the jungle, the coffee, and Tom’s tech, you’ll be just fine
Tom
*Winks*
And if you do end up in a swamp, just think of it as a rite of passage.
Lian
*Laughs*
I’ll keep that in mind. Lead the way!
Nightfall at the Base Camp
Lian is setting up his tent, clearly struggling with the stakes
Lian
Ugh, this is harder than I thought. I didn’t realize how tricky this would be.
Dr. Ren
*Approaching with a lantern in hand*
Need a hand, Lian?
Lian
*Looking up, surprised but relieved*
Oh, hey Ren. Yes, please. I think I might have bent a few stakes in the process.
Dr. Ren
*Chuckling*
Let me help with that. You focus on getting the fabric stretched out.
Dr. Ren
*Easily fixing the stakes* There we go. All set. How’s your setup coming along?
Lian
*Smiling gratefully* Thanks. It’s coming together. I’m not the most experienced camper, clearly.
Dr. Ren
*Smiling warmly*
You’ll get the hang of it. It’s all part of the adventure.
Dr. Ren
*nods*
Then it's dinner time. Let's have some
Lian
Yes, what’s the plan for dinner?
Dr. Ren
Heard the cook has some interesting local dishes planned .Let’s head over, it’s about to ready.
Lian
Hearing that makes me Hungry. Let's go
Lian and Ren sit together at the campfire, surrounded by other team members. The table is laid out with a variety of local dishes, and everyone is chatting and eating.
Dr. Ren
*Serving some food onto Lian’s plate*
Try this , it’s a local delicacy. I think you’ll like it.
Lian
*Taking a bite*
Wow, this is delicious! What’s it called?
Dr. Ren
It's our Special Dak-ttongjip . it's staple here.
Lian
It’s really good. Thanks for recommending it
Dr. Ren
*Nods, looking pleased*
Glad you like it.
Tom
So, Lian, how long have you been studying archaeology?
Lian
I’ve been working on my Master’s for about two years now. I’m really into field research and ancient civilizations.
Mariya
*Curious*
What’s your thesis about?
Lian
It’s focused on uncovering and analyzing artifacts from lesser-known ancient sites. I hope to contribute new insights to the field
Dr. Ren
Sounds fascinating.Your research could really add to our understanding of this area. It’s exciting to think about what we might uncover together.
Tom
Ren’s right. We’ve all been looking forward to this dig. It’s not every day we get someone with your enthusiasm on the team.
Lian
I’m excited to be here. Everyone’s been so welcoming. It feels like I’ve known you all longer than just a few hours.
Dr. Ren
We’re glad to have you. It’s always great to see new faces bring fresh energy to the team.
As they continue eating and chatting, Lian starts to feel more at ease with everyone. The conversation flows naturally, with laughter and stories about past digs. Lian finds himself enjoying the camaraderie and the easygoing nature of the team.
First Night Insights
[Late night, Lian's tent]
Lian is trying to settle down for the night, but the sounds of the jungle and the buzz of mosquitoes makes it difficult. He is tossing and turning, clearly uncomfortable.
Lian
*Muttering to himself*
Ugh, I can’t sleep like this...
He sighs, frustrated, and pulls the blanket over his head.
Suddenly, he hears rustling outside his tent, and his heart skips a beat.
Lian
Okay, it’s probably just the wind... or maybe something else. Stay calm, Lian.
The sound gets closer, and Lian grips his blanket tighter, his imagination running wild. The tent flap moves, and Lian quickly tries to compose himself, pretending to be unfazed.
Dr. Ren
*Peeks inside, holding a small bottle* Lian? What’s up? You’re still awake?
Lian quickly sits up, trying to appear nonchalant, though he’s still a bit shaken.
Lian
*Forcing a casual tone*
Oh, Just, um... enjoying the night, you know?
Dr. Ren
* Raises an eyebrow, amused by Lian’s obvious attempt to hide his fear*
Right... enjoying the night with a blanket over your head?
Lian
*Flustered*
I was just... you know, getting cozy. These mosquitoes are really annoying.
Dr. Ren
*Smirks, finding Lian’s nervousness endearing* Uh-huh. Here, I brought you this.
He hands the mosquito repellent to Lian
Lian reaches out, their fingers brushing briefly. Lian tries to focus on the repellent, his cheeks a bit warm.
Lian
*Mumbles *
Thanks. I forgot to bring mine.
Ren notices Lian fumbling with the bottle, trying to apply the repellent. He watches for a moment, then gently takes it from Lian’s hands.
Dr. Ren
Here, let me help.
Ren applies the repellent for Lian, their proximity making Lian feel a bit self-conscious. Lian glances at Ren, trying to make light of the situation.
Lian
*Teasingly *
You’re surprisingly good at this. Maybe you should’ve been a nurse.
Dr. Ren
*Laughs quietly*
Maybe. But I think archeology suits me better.
Lian relaxes a bit, finding comfort in Ren’s presence. As Ren finishes applying the repellent, Lian hesitates, then decides to ask.
Lian
Can I ask you something?
Lian
Can I call you Hyung?
Ren’s expression softens, clearly touched by the request. He chuckles, nodding slightly.
Dr. Ren
Of course Lian. But you know , it's a big responsibility being your hyung now. I might have to keep an extra eye on you."
Lian
*Smiles *
I’ll try not to be too much trouble.
Dr. Ren
*Playfully*
By the way, Lian... about earlier, when I came in. You weren’t... scared, were you?
Lian feels his face heat up with embarrassment. He waves his hand dismissively.
Lian
Oh, come on, Ren— I mean, hyung— it was just... I wasn’t scared, okay? Just... cautious.
Ren smirks, clearly enjoying Lian's flustered reaction
Dr. Ren
Right, cautious. I guess it’s a good thing your hyung was here to scare away the big bad... wind.
Lian
*mumbling*
Ugh, you’re never going to let this go, are you?"
Dr. Ren
*Laughing softly*
Not a chance. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back, scaredy-cat.
Lian
*with mock seriousness*
I’m not a scaredy-cat. I’m just... being careful, okay?
Dr. Ren
Alright, alright. Get some sleep, careful one. I’ll make sure nothing out here gets you.
Lian lets out a small laugh, feeling more at ease despite the teasing. As Ren steps out of the tent, Lian calls after him.
Dr. Ren
*Turning back with a grin* Goodnight, Lian. Try not to let the wind keep you up.
Ren exits, and Lian lies back down with a small smile on his face despite the playful teasing.
Just as Lian was about to drift off, his phone buzzed loudly.
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