The sun peaked through net curtains as Coggins packed his rucksack ready for his expedition. Starting from his sister’s home in Caleah, his trip to the ancient catacombs of the Forest of Scales was set to be lengthy and arduous, even with his decades of experience.
“How long do you reckon you’ll be out there?” asked his sister, Nip.
“Hopefully only a couple of days. Brought enough food for the next two weeks, so I should be fine.” Coggins strapped his excavation tools to the side of his bag, making sure they were securely fastened. “You’ve got the sending stone, right?”
“Yeah, yeah. It’s over there,” Nip gestured to her living room sideboard. “Are you sure you want me to have it and not Mum?”
“I’d rather not be harassed every hour while I work,” Coggins smiled, doing the zip up of his rucksack. “Anyway, you can keep her in the loop. I’ll contact you when I set up camp for the night. Besides, if you want you can lend it to her to keep in touch. But only once a day, maximum. Please.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Coggins strapped his bag to his back, adjusting it to sit comfortably on his shoulders.
“I’ll get the door for you,” said Nip as she slipped past and into the reception.
“Thanks, Nip,” Coggins followed, his rucksack rattling with each step.
“You stay safe, right?” Nip turned the door handle and opened up the house to the quiet hum of the city in early morning.
“Will do.” Coggins reached forward and gave his sister a hug, pulling her tight. “See you later.”
“Bye, Coggins.” Nip waved off her brother as he meandered down the city streets, hailing the slowly approaching tram.
Today's prompt: keep in touch
This week's worldbuilding prompt: exploration
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