Story 1#: Cave expedition

Started writing a story about one of my characters’ expeditions. What do you think of this intro? Should I keep sharing them?

“While he was walking down the stairs, his fur brushed both sides of the narrow entrance. When he stepped onto the final stair, Torga stoot still for a moment, Amazed by the vast underground chamber before him. His ears twitched. Even the largest caverns he’d explored had never felt this immense.** **He had heard it was massive, but this large?

Torga took a slow deep breath. He felt the humid cold air teas his small feline nose. Something he really needed. His nose was dry from the desert air above. The air here carried a smell of damp clay, wet stone and moss. He could also smell the musky scent of animal like creatures.

*Finally…*The bird companion replied with a short “Prrrk!” sound and bobbed his head in agreement. Now let’s find a place to rest, we had a long night. He scanned the walls, searching for a place to set down his bags and rest.

Ah, great, Torga smiled as he spotted a small section of the stone wall that had two natural ledges on either side. One was the perfect size for his bags, while the other would hold Vexx’s cage safely. He placed Vexx’s cage on the ledge, and while he putting down his bags, he asked, “Vexx, shall I open your cage for a quick wing stretch?”

But when he turned back around, Vexx was already asleep.

A soft purr escaped Torga as he looked at him. The colorful toucan he rescued from the lion’s arch market. With a small smile, he lay down between the two ledges, curled his large, white furry tail around himself, and was asleep within moments….

Hello! My name is Pebblepaws, but you can call me Pebbles, said a friendly voice.
Torga opened his eyes and saw an upside-down skritt hanging above his face. The gray-furred Skritt looked at him with a smile from cheek to cheek. A little drool was hanging from the corner of his mouth, it made him look a bit goofy and silly.

One moment, said Torga.
He stood up and gave a long stretch. His whole body extended until his claws and sharp nails were fully visible.

Welcome back to earth and welcome to our tunnels. What makes a charr come down here? Said Pebbles.

My name is Torga. I’m a member of the Durmand Priory. As an explorer and biologist for the Order, I study wildlife and plants. They sent me here to investigate the flora and fauna in… well, your tunnels. He pointed to his rucksack, a collection of smaller bags tied together. As you can see, I travel a lot.

And, uhh… who’s this? Pebbles interrupted, reaching toward Vexx.

Better not touch him, Torga said quickly. That’s Vexx, my companion. He’s smarter than you might think, but he doesn’t like being touched. He has… a difficult past”. While he opened the cage, Vexx flew out, made a few turns and landed on Torga’s shoulder. You must be happy charr with a friend like that said Pebbles. I love his shiny feathers, they glow.. Ohhh, shiny… his eyes suddenly widen and he froze. What in the Silverwastes are those? He pointed at a bag full of shiny stones. Are those crystals?

Those are called ley-line crystals, Torga explained. I brought them back from the Tangled Depths. The Durmand Priory wants to study the unusual energy they contain. They seem to form where streams of ley-line energy intersect.

Can Pebbles have one? Pebbles asked, rubbing his hands together nervously. Pebbles love shiny things.

No, sorry. But you can earn this one.
Torga reached for one of the pouches attached to his belt. He untied it and gently opened the small pouch. With two pinched fingers, he reached inside and pulled out something tiny that almost disappeared between his large Charr fingers.

It was an opal orb.

Despite the dim light of the cavern, the orb shimmered beautifully, reflecting the flickering flames of the torches around them.

Pebbles stared at it, completely mesmerized.

Me want that… What to do, what to do? he muttered, rubbing his hands together nervously.

Well, as I said, I’m part of an expedition team for the Durmand Priory. They sent me here to study the flora and fauna in these tunnels. To look for unusual plants, small insects, and anything else that might be worth documenting.

Torga turned around and began packing his belongings back into his rucksack.

And since you’re a skritt… He glanced over his shoulder at Pebbles. You probably know these tunnels better than anyone. Would you be willing to guide me around for a few days and tell me more about them?

Pebbles likes little insects and plants. Pebbles will help Torga! Pebbles said happily….”