Our Next Visitor: Sing us a Song!

Well, what's this? The vestiges of human activity, here? Have I lost my way, perhaps?

Ho, gentle sirs. Know you, perchance, of an ancient mining village by the name of Horai?

Hello, there! Are you a traveler? If you're looking for Horai, well, you're here!

Indeed? I had heard tales of a mining village in these parts, but in truth fully expected it to be abandoned.

Oh, I have yet to introduce myself. I am Henry, nomadic bard and worldly scholar. Reality is stranger than fiction and so with my travels I aim to capture its absurdity in song.

So, are you here to find some fresh inspiration for your verse?

Nay, friend, not on this occasion. Amongst the legendary poets there is one who sang about the village of Horai. Or, more specifically, the "great one" that slumbers at the heart of its mine.

Really?! I have a letter from my father which says the same thing!

Is that so? I had thought it nothing more than a tale for old wives... Interesting. Have you fellows taken a look inside the mine for yourselves? They say that at its deepest point there is a vast hole the leads to the very center of the earth.

What? That doesn't sound very safe.

Well, you know what they say about poetry. It tends to exaggerate for entertainment's sake. I'm sure there's no serious danger there.

A big hole, huh? I have a feeling I saw something like that when my father took me to the mines once. It looked like you could reach the bottom of it if you had a rope, though.

So half the rumor is true? That more than warrants further investigation.

But the mine is teeming with monsters now. We can't just go in and explore it freely like my father and I did in the past.

Want me to go for you?

You seem like a trustworthy man... That may not be a bad idea. If you could do so I would be most grateful.

My only concern is the rope. I'm going to need something pretty sturdy. I don't want it snapping when I'm halfway down.

Then allow me to make it for you. A nomad such as I tends to acquire a great many useful skills on his travels. All I need is a suitable place to work. In fact, I suppose I shall be here for some time and as such should erect a temporary workshop here.

Got you covered. Terry can make it for you.

Good timing! I've just finished building Henry's workshop!

The craftsmanship is excellent, particularly on the inside. I expect that I shall make many a creative masterpiece here. I can't help but think that it's almost too splendid for a mere temporary home.

Well, I've never been a fan o' half-measures. Go big or go home! Know what I mean? Speaking of going home, that's exactly what I'm gonna do now. If you need anythin' else you know where to find me!

You too have my gratitude. It may not be much in the way of thanks, but while I am here, I would be delighted to craft for you whatever amenities you might need. The first of those shall be the rope. If you need anything else, do not hesitate to ask.

Hey, thanks. I will!