“Our expedition to the cave complex was an eternity spent trudging amids broken monuments to fallen monarchs. Deeper still, the statues made room for wild, misshapen crystal growths. Before we knew it, we were in the middle of a twisting maze which seemed to change maliciously, each dead end sending shivers down our spines as we realized even retracing our steps had long since become impossible. As the protective gem’s power waned, we quickly forgot our mission, deciding instead on the return to the relative safety of the ruins outside the dead city. With darkness growing and shadows around us beginning to stir uneasily, our carefully measured retreat turned into a mad scramble.

It wasn’t long before the first cave dweller appeared before us. A hulking monstrosity of ever-shifting dark crystal, it bore an uncanny resemblance to an adventurer we’ve met only weeks ago in a tavern. Back then, he had told us of the strange allure of the crystal caves; the whispers in his dreams, and his yearning to explore them in hopes of finding someone once dear to him. Even now, his shambling crystalline form seemed to wear the same vacant smile as he slowly approached us. We were petrified, unable to act as he – no, as it came closer. The spell was broken when it attacked, surprisingly nimble despite its rock-hard appendages.

I will not lie, and say I stood my ground and fought. There is no shame is fleeing such… thing, so alien, yet so familiar. Our party separated, the screams of my companions echoing through the caverns behind me. I ran, blinded by tears, mumbling madly. I would have fallen prey to the first beast to happen upon me were it not for my brother. Perhaps he had kept more of his wits about him, or he simply fled in the same direction; in either case, he was beside me when we were attacked. The crab-like, crystalline spiders seemed almost normal compared to what we have left behind us – we fought, and the adrenaline helped somewhat to anchor the last vestiges of my slipping sanity. And yet, with each hit, scratch, bash, and spell, I felt the gem I carried growing weaker, until -

I cannot say more.

Is it not obvious, seeing me here, with the rest gone, that I’ve proven a coward twice in a single day? Could you in all confidence say you would not do the same?

I have survived the ordeal, and found my way back home, even though I am not sure how. I wish never to return to those strange, twisting caverns… and yet…

…and yet each night, I hear the voice whispering just beyond the threshold of recognition. In my dreams, I glance a familiar figure, beckoning, and I know I will return, and will be with my brother again.”