what sordid tales do these walls hold? read some plaques

>>1116010
Read the history aloud.
With a spooky voice.
Try to get a laugh outta her.

1/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/01(Sat)16:58 No. 1116116 ID: b6ea64
File 176204150986.png - (5.41KB , 800x600 , 37.png )

>Reading the history always makes the experience better.
>what sordid tales do these walls hold? read some plaques
Kaari: “Let’s see what sordid tales haunt this poor cabin. Any signs on where we should start?”

Lana: “Hard telling, there’s no numbering on the plaques. They even put one on the fridge!”

>Read the history aloud. With a spooky voice.
Kaari: “Really? Let me see.”
I read off the plaque with a spooky tone.
Kaari: “Maaaay our fuuuture loggers never goooo withooout again.”

Lana: “Well that’s ominous. Guessing there was a famine or something? Let’s keep reading.”

Kaari: “There’s one on the bunk beds. Let’s see…”

Kaari: “In loving memory of those who lost their lives here in the winter of nineteen-fifty.”

Lana: “Shaping up to be a brutal winter that year. There’s gotta be more to it than that though. Let’s keep looking.”

2/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/01(Sat)16:59 No. 1116117 ID: b6ea64
File 176204154177.png - (4.48KB , 800x600 , 38.png )

We venture further into the cabin and there’s a glass display with some newspaper clippings.
Kaari: “Loggers on strike! Following tragedy on lake, loggers of Hazel Pointe Logging Co. have gone on strike. They demand for better wages and safer equipment.”

Lana: “Here’s the next one, ‘Record breaking snowstorm! Over three feet of snow buries town in harshest winter.’ Can you imagine seeing three feet of snow?”

Kaari: “That’d be almost all the way up to my head!”

We move on to the next one,
Kaari: “Logging Strike turns Deadly! Sole Survivor of Snowed-in Cabin Shares horrifying details!”

Kaari: “After exhausting all other rescue efforts, a second team flew in with a helicopter. They entered through the chimney fearing they may be too late. Miraculously, one determined beaver had barely hung on. ‘That filthy rat refused to send help until we called off the strike! Radio was up but we could only reach the boss. None of us were going to play these negotiation games, so we said screw’em. Help would come soon.’ When asked about how he survived and what happened to the others, he painted a gruesome picture for us. ‘We ran out of food and starvation hit. You have a room full of starving animals trapped in a room together, I think you can fill in the rest. I’m just lucky the cabin was made of wood. Not much was edible per say, but it was enough to keep me going.’ Currently the owner of the logging company is being held on charges of gross negligence.”

I look over to Lana and see her trying to keep her claws in,

Lana: “I can’t believe some scumbag would go that far to save a few bucks and screw his employees like that! Now I get what Judith said about this place.”

3/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/01(Sat)17:04 No. 1116119 ID: b6ea64
File 176204189184.gif - (15.22KB , 800x600 , 39.gif )

Kaari: “Shh, wait. Do you hear that?”

Lana: “I don’t hear anything. You’ll have to try a bit harder than that to spook me.”

It’s hard to tell with that noisy fridge, but there’s a faint bubbling kind of noise coming from below the floorboards. I walk around a bit trying to find where it’s coming from. Then I notice a spot on the floor is significantly warmer.

Kaari: “There’s some weird bubbly noise coming from below, Lana. The floor’s warmer over here.”

I hear Lana sniffle a bit.

Lana: “Whatever it is, it smells sweet!”

“Quiet…”

Lana: ”Okay okay I’ll whisper!”

Kaari: ”That wasn’t me Lana….”

Oh for gods' sakes did they really put their illicit syrup operation under a tourist attraction? A dry historical one, but still.

Alright keep talking like you didn't notice anything, casually walk out of the cabin, and radio Judith once you're out of earshot. Not going to let these saps ruin your nice day.

>>1116129
Agreed.
They would have gotten away with it too if it wasnt for these damn meddling kid- well.
Young adults.

>>1116129
Yes.

At most say something like "oh god it's a ghost!"

1/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/02(Sun)11:00 No. 1116189 ID: b6ea64
File 176211003032.png - (5.87KB , 800x600 , 40.png )

>Alright keep talking like you didn't notice anything, casually walk out of the cabin, and radio Judith once you're out of earshot. Not going to let these saps ruin your nice day.
>say something like "oh god it's a ghost!"
Kaari: ”L-Lana I thi-think we ne-need to get out. I t-think we woke up the ghosts.”

Lana: “Kaari- okay yeah let’s book it!”

Lana grabs my arm and darts off with me in an instant.

2/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/02(Sun)11:01 No. 1116190 ID: b6ea64
File 176211009435.png - (6.04KB , 800x600 , 41.png )

Kaari: “Don’t stop, keep going!”

We run for a bit more and stop at a bench. Lana sits down and groans.

Lana: ”Ugh, my leg…”

She continues to breathe heavily trying to catch her breath.

Kaari: “Give me the walkie-talkie Lana, we need to get Judith. Now.”

She goes to pass me the walkie-talkie, but hesitates.

Lana: “Can you fill me in here first Kaari? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look more terrified, and I think that’s saying something.”

Kaari: “The poachers! I think- I think they were down there making syrup. What if-what if we had stayed in there!”

She looks at me with more concern,

Kaari: “What if they trapped us in there Lana! They could’ve-”

Lana: “Could’ve. We got outside and away from them. It’s okay now though. Let’s get Judith on the walkie-talkie to investigate."

I hold onto Lana as she looks at the walkie-talkie.

Lana: “Hopefully I remember how to properly talk over these things.”

She pushes down on the talk button and it beeps,

Lana: “Come in Judith… this is Lana and Kaari, over.”

There’s a short pause, followed by the crackle of the walkie-talkie

Judith: “Copy that, this is Judith. You two okay? Over.”

Lana: “We think the sap poachers are operating right under that haunted cabin. Heard something boiling and smelt a little sweet in there. Over.”
The walkie-talkie spits out static for an uncomfortable moment, Lana tries to reach back.
Lana: “Uh, Judith do you read?”

Judith: “Sorry, stand-by Lana.”
Another few moments go by before she responds back again.
Judith: “I’ve got a group heading over to investigate. The two of you okay? Over.”

Lana: “Yeah, we’re okay. We got out of there before anything happened. Over.”

Judith: “Alright, buzz me again if anything else comes up. Over and out.”

3/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/02(Sun)11:02 No. 1116191 ID: b6ea64
File 176211013519.png - (5.97KB , 800x600 , 42.png )

She puts the walkie-talkie away and groans,

Lana: “Kaari can you look at my leg? I can’t tell if it’s bleeding or not.”

Kaari: “Uh, sure Lana.”

I carefully pull up her pant leg and…

Kaari: “Eugh! Blood everywhere!”

Lana: “How bad is everywhere? Did the stitches tear open?”

Kaari: “Th-this is a bit hard to look at, uh… uh… They look stretched and loose?”

Lana: “I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing honestly.”
She let’s out a pained sigh.
Lana: “Kaari, I’m sorry this has been a crappy date so far. Nothing can ever go right, can it?”

Almost I blurt out forget about that! I gotta focus on Lana’s wound right now. I’m not sure if I should try and get the first aid out and try to clean up myself, or if I should radio in Judith again to help? Surely the park rangers would know something about first aid, right?

Radio, and ask what to do about treating the wound, let Judith know you have the first aid kit, and will follow directions. Consider this training for if you get to work here in the future.

To ease Lana’s worries, tell her that maybe discovering the poachers might make for good experience, and show them that you are capable of working here.

>>1116196
Yep.
Got to look good on the application sheet helping find the sap sapping saps.
As to wound...
See what you can do, but call on judith for guidance.
Brief explanation so she knows its not a fresh injury.

Yes Judith probably has some training in first aid. And you were responsible and brought the kit so everything will be fine. Worst that happens is you need to find a good sturdy branch for a crutch.

Buckwheat 2025/11/03(Mon)04:57 No. 1116285 ID: b6ea64
File 176217467055.png - (6.07KB , 800x600 , 43.png )

>To ease Lana’s worries, tell her that maybe discovering the poachers might make for good experience, and show them that you are capable of working here.
>Got to look good on the application sheet helping find the sap sapping saps.
Kaari: “Okay it’s been rough with the poachers, but finding them might end up showing Judith I have what it takes to work here.”

I hear Lana mumble something to herself, but can’t pick up on it. She pulls out the firstaid kit and passes it onto me.

>Radio, and ask what to do about treating the wound, let Judith know you have the first aid kit, and will follow directions.
>See what you can do, but call on Judith for guidance.
>Yes Judith probably has some training in first aid.
Kaari: “Can you pass me the walkie-talkie as well?

Lana: “What do you need the walkie-talkie for Kaari?”

Kaari: “I’m not entirely sure what I should do with the stitches? I’m going to ask Judith if she knows how to fix them.”

Lana: “Well, you’re going to need both paws for that. I can communicate with her, and you can follow her instructions.”

Kaari: “Oh, yeah that’s sounds like a good plan.”

Lana: “Okay, first you should use one of the antiseptic wipes to clean it up.”

Kaari: “Right!”

The sudden radio crackle startles me for a moment,
Lana: “Come in Judith, this is Lana and Kaari again. Over.”

Judith: “Copy that, this is Judith. Forget something? Over.”

Lana: “So, realized I’ve over did when we were running off, looks like I messed up the stitches in my leg, bloods all over.”

Judith: “Say again? Bloods all what?”

Lana: “Bleeding a lot. Kaari’s got a first aid kit and cleaning it up, but we don’t know what to do about my stitches. They look stretched and loose. Over.”

Judith: “Have either of you stitched up a wound before? Over.”

Kaari and Lana: “Nope.”

Judith: “Alright here’s what you’re going to need to do…”

She helps walk me through on what to do, and I manage to tighten Lana’s stitches back up. Afterwards I wrap it up with some gauze.

Judith: “I’d highly recommend getting your doctor to check on that later when you’re done here. They might want to end up redo the stitches themselves, but you should be fine for now. Over.”

Lana: “Thanks again for the help Judith. Over.”

Judith: “Do you two need anything else? I can head over your way if you’d like. Over.”

She teases Judith a bit,
Lana: “I thought you were busy putting ink on papers? Over.”

Judith: “Safety of our visitors is a higher priority. I didn’t think the poachers would have a whole operation running here, but here we are with a group digging around an old haunted cabin. Over.”

Hm, it wouldn’t be bad having Judith tag along with us. Another set of eyes watching out isn’t bad. At the same time it might be awkward with Lana and I being here on a date.

Methinks we’re good. Let’s enjoy the rest of the forest date by ourselves.

Yeah.
Thank her but a little time for you guys is whats needed.
Even if its just sitting somewhere with a nice view and taking it all in

Buckwheat 2025/11/03(Mon)18:00 No. 1116311 ID: b6ea64
File 176222163765.png - (6.11KB , 800x600 , 44.png )

>Let’s enjoy the rest of the forest date by ourselves.
>Thank her but a little time for you guys is whats needed. Even if its just sitting somewhere with a nice view and taking it all in
Kaari: “I think we’ll be fine on our own Lana. I want to relax more with you.”

Lana: “Nah, we can handle things ourselves Judith. Thanks for the help, we’ll call again if anything else comes up. Over.”

Judith: “Alright you two, try to take it easy with that leg and enjoy the rest of the park. Over and out!”

Lana clips it back on her pocket and tries to stand up.
Lana: “Hurts a little bit to move around, but it’s bearable.”

Kaari: “Sit down and rest a little bit then. We have been walking and running around for awhile now.”

Lana: “Yeah, probably a good idea. Do you want some water or anything while we're taking a break?”

Kaari: “Sure, I could use a little sip.”

I pack up the first aid kit and grab a water bottle from the backpack.

Lana: “Ah, let’s see here… getting close to five right now. We probably have time to check out another nearby spot in the park before the sun starts going down. After that we should probably head to our geocache spot.”

Kaari: “Didn’t we bring flashlights?”

Lana: “We did, but I’d like to search for it while there’s some light.”

Kaari: “Okay, so what’s nearby we can check out then?”

Lana: “We could walk back to that sign, go the other way, and check out the wishing well. There’s a little picnic area there too. If we keep heading down this path it’ll lead us over a small copper mine. We can’t actually go and mine for anything, but we we’re allowed to check out a few areas.”

wishing well = water. no thanks.

Lets go to the mining site.

>>1116311
That old copper mine probably has poachers in it...
Go to the picnic area. The well should be fine so long as you don't look into it.

>>1116312
Mine!

Mine sounds fine

1/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/11(Tue)17:52 No. 1116784 ID: b6ea64
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>Lets go to the mining site.
>Mine sounds fine
Kaari: “How about we go check out the copper mine?”

Lana: “Sure. Maybe we’ll see some more interesting history. Either that or we’ll find out those saps are setup in the caves too.”

Kaari: “Ugh, don’t say that! Knowing my luck they probably would be hiding in there.”

Lana: “Well we could always turn back for the wishing well then.”

Kaari: “No, let’s head for the mine. There’s probably more interesting stuff to see there than an old well.”

Lana gets up from the bench and takes a few slow steps.
Kaari: “We can sit here for a bit too if your leg still hurts.”

Lana: “I don’t think my leg’s going to be pain free for awhile yet, Kaari. It’ll be fine though, let’s go.”
I just nod and we head down the path towards the mine.

2/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/11(Tue)17:53 No. 1116785 ID: b6ea64
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Lana: “Wow, lot of warning signs posted here.”

Kaari: “Under no circumstance is any guest of Hazel Pointe Nature Trail to take any precious metals or ore out of the mine shaft. Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Lana: “Maybe they need to throw signs like that up by the sap trees. What else do we need to be wary of in the mines?”

Kaari: “Absolutely no smoking allowed in the mines. Punishable by fine of up to ten thousand notes!”
I look over to see she’s digging in her pockets,

Lana: “Hey, just making sure I’m clean, Kaari.”

Kaari: “I hope so, can you imagine having to pay that fine!”

Lana: “A fine like that? It’d be behind locked bars for me.”

Kaari: “Good thing you’re not packing any contraband then. Come on, let’s head inside.”

3/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/11(Tue)17:54 No. 1116786 ID: b6ea64
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We make our way, and it starts to get noticeably warmer as head further into the shaft.

Lana: “You know, this is pretty cozy. Warm lights and the rustic accents. Expected this to be more damp and dark.”
Kaari: “Looks like it’s so we can see the displays they’ve setup.”

Lana: “Hopefully the history lesson here isn’t as bleak as the cabin’s.”

Inside the box is a rough looking tree sculpture. Looking at it closely, the bottom of it is really shiny while the top is all rough and oxidized.
Lana: “Wow, I wonder how they keep the bottom of that from oxidizing?”

Kaari: “Well, however they do it, that’s a cool idea! What’s the story behind it though?”

Lana: “Let’s see here... Edward DuPointe painstakingly sculpted this copper tree in an attempt to win back his fiancé. After news broke out about the unfortunate cabin snow in, Lauren Poppy tried to cut all ties with the DuPointe family. Edward hoped to separate himself from his father’s cold actions by warming up to the fine arts. After a few weeks, he proposed to her with this sculpture. ‘Forget the olive branch Lauren, I’m reaching out with the whole tree!’ Unfortunately for Edward though, the love boat had sailed. Lauren rejected his gift stating he should be helping out the families affected by his fathers actions instead. A cold jab at his reported failures to show up at negotiations to end the strike.”

Kaari: “Eugh. At this point I’ve got a feeling everything here is going to circle back to that cabin.”

Lana: “Well, it was a pretty tragic event Kaari. Got me thinking though.”

Kaari: “Thinking about what? Going on strike at the bar?”

Lana: “Hah, no. Any of us went on strike and they’d give us the boot.”

Lana: “If you had to make something to win over my heart, what would it be?”

I tease her a bit,
Kaari: “Gee Lana, how could I ever top our most intimate and romantic moments like prying boards off a door to escape a hostage situation, or tightening up your stitches.”
That gets a little laugh out of her.

Lana: “True, I’d be hard pressed to beat helping out with a flea bath myself.”

Kaari: “I know your only joking a bit, but that really did mean a lot to me that you helped with that."

Lana: “Hey, I’m there for whatever it takes to help out when you need it.”

That was a good question she asked though. Lana’s done a lot for me. What would be something nice I could make or give her?

It is a good question...

One worth finding an answer for even if you dont share it.

"If i told you, it wouldnt have as much effect when you saw it."
Or something like that is the answer to give, but as to the answer you have...

A tree made of bottlecaps and other bar pariphinalia.
She means a lot to you.
Something beautiful out of the bar, to remind of the forest and the tree of copper you saw in a mine on an odd but still very much a wonderful date.

Which if she pushes you could share i guess, but otherwise youve got an arts and crafts project ahead of you.

Something that reflects her interests or what she needs. Right now that would be something she can use at college, but personalized for her. Could be a backpack, a notebook, a calculator, whatever. The important thing is that she'll use it everyday and it will be a reminder of their love.

Calculator with a poem on the back.

1/4 Buckwheat 2025/11/17(Mon)19:08 No. 1117145 ID: b6ea64
File 176343528193.png - (5.77KB , 800x600 , 48.png )

>Something that reflects her interests or what she needs. Right now that would be something she can use at college, but personalized for her.
>Could be a backpack, a notebook, a calculator, whatever.
>Calculator with a poem on the back.
>important thing is that she'll use it everyday and it will be a reminder of their love.
That could be nice! Something she’d see and use everyday. I wish I knew more about the college classes she’s taking. That’d probably make it a bit easier to find something she needs.
Kaari: “Back to your question, I dunno Lana. You got me thinking of some good Christmas gifts.”

Lana: “Oh yeah? What kind of gifts?”

Kaari: “I told you, Christmas gifts.”

She chuckles,
Lana: “Alright, I get the hint. Sounds like you got something special in mind there.”

She proceeds further into the shaft,

Lana: “Come on, let’s we what else we can find in here. ”

2/4 (animated) Buckwheat 2025/11/17(Mon)19:08 No. 1117146 ID: b6ea64
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We continue on, there’s a few ‘Do not enter’ and ‘Employees only’ signs posted.
Kaari: “I’m getting the feeling there isn’t much else to see in here, Lana.”

Lana: “I think you spoke too soon Kaari, look over there.”
She points over to something orange and red littered across the ground.

Kaari: “Wait, is that fur a-and blood?!”

She kneels down and picks up some strands,
Lana: “Yeah I don’t like this. We should probably head back, Kaari.”

3/4 (animated) Buckwheat 2025/11/17(Mon)19:09 No. 1117147 ID: b6ea64
File 176343537283.gif - (28.63KB , 800x600 , 50.gif )

Deeper in the tunnel we can hear someone coughing up a lung. A few moments later, heavy boot steps echo.

Click-clomp, click-clomp, click-clomp…

We both freeze. I catch a glimpse of a large figure in the corner of my vision.

Click-clomp, click-clomp, click-clomp…

I almost bolt right then and there, but fear has too strong of a grip.

4/4 Buckwheat 2025/11/17(Mon)19:16 No. 1117151 ID: b6ea64
File 176343576532.png - (7.02KB , 800x600 , 51.png )

The figure stifles another cough. A strained and gravelly voice greets us,

???: “Aegh, sorry.”

The figure is so tall, it has to duck to enter the section. Oh that’s a massive donkey!

He rubs on his throat and mumbles for a moment,
Donkey: “Guests?”

Lana: “Oh uh, yeah. We’re here checking out the copper mine.”

He looks down at me for a moment, then gives Lana an annoyed look.
Donkey: “No boots?”

Kaari: “Oh, sorry. Are we suppose to have shoes on in here?”

Donkey: “Sharp rocks hu-”
He stops for moment and coughs in his arm.
Donkey: “They hurt, boots help.”

He points down at the scattered fur,
Donkey: “This one learned- auck. Painful lesson.”

He looks around for a moment and lets out another cough.
Donkey: “Lost?”

Kaari: “No, we’re just looking around.”

He rubs his throat some more.
Donkey: “Where’s the guide?”

Lana: “There’s supposed to be a tour guide?”

There’s that annoyed look again.
Donkey: “Bums. Easy to get lost.”

He scratches his chin,
Donkey: “Guess I can guide.”

He looks towards both ways in the section.
Donkey: “Mine carts, mining tools. Could show the camp too, I think.”

All of that sounds like it'd be cool to check out. Kind of nervous still, this guy is massive, but he seems nice enough. My minds just, racing a lot from that still. Where should we go next?

>>1117151
Well, if you want to know for sure it's safe, have him lead you in the direction of the blood trail. I'm guessing that's the camp. He goes first.

I expect to see a cat sitting around with a bandaged foot. Oh, and watch your step.

You know, I don't think sharp rocks usually cause fur loss. I mean there's no fur on the bottom of your feet. But it is a good excuse for not going any further into the mine.

Ask if he has something to show he works here?

Check da camp out yo.

>>1117152
yeah, do what this says

Instead of adding to the trail of fur and blood, let's go back. Maybe get some safety equipment.

1/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/25(Tue)18:19 No. 1117665 ID: b6ea64
File 176412355755.png - (6.74KB , 800x600 , 52.png )

>Ask if he has something to show he works here?
Kaari: “What’s that pin on your overalls say?”

He takes it off and passes it over to me.

Kaari: “Pickford, D-team captain. Is that your name?”

He nods his head yes.

Lana: “What were you the captain of?”

Pickford: “D-team.”

He lets of a brief chuckle.

Pickford: “Was my crew.”

>Well, if you want to know for sure it's safe, have him lead you in the direction of the blood trail. I'm guessing that's the camp. He goes first.
Kaari: “Alright, how about we check out the camp?”

He ducks under the entryway again and then motions for us to follow him.

Lana: “Are you sure about this, Kaari?”

Kaari: ”He seems nice enough. I’ll be sure to watch my step.”

She let’s out a nervous sigh,
Lana: “Okay Pickford, lead the way.”

2/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/25(Tue)18:19 No. 1117666 ID: b6ea64
File 176412358840.png - (6.47KB , 800x600 , 53.png )

I keep my eyes towards the ground as we follow Pickford.

Lana: “So how’d you end up becoming a mining captain?”

He struggles for a moment to clear his throat,
Pickford: “Hard work.”

Kaari: “How long have you worked here in the mines?”

Pickford: “Twenty-two years.”

3/3 Buckwheat 2025/11/25(Tue)18:21 No. 1117667 ID: b6ea64
File 176412367173.png - (7.30KB , 800x600 , 54.png )

He takes us around another turn and into the camp.
Pickford opens a cooler and chugs a water in one gulp.
Pickford: “Aaah. Been needing that.”
He grabs another one and continues,
Pickford: “Can I offer anything? Got waters and orange soder.”

Lana: “That’s fine, we brought our own snacks and drinks.”

He shuts the lid and sits on it,
Pickford: “Hm, so what’s got you two here in the mines?”

Kaari: “We’re here on a nature walk, and in a bit we’re going to go geocaching.”

Pickford: “Used to have caches in here.”
He chugs down the entire bottle in one gulp again.
Pickford: “Banned it from the mines. Folks kept getting lost.”

Lana: “It’s still okay on the nature trail though?”

Pickford: “Mmmhmm. Easier to get back on track outside.”

Kaari: “Have you ever got lost in here?”

Pickford: “Oooh, once or twice? When I first started. Know the paths real well now.”

Pickford: “Could share some work stories if that’s what you’re interested in.”

Pickford: “Or I guess any questions ya have about mining. History and what not.”

Oh! This might be a good chance to learn about something other than that cabin incident. There’s a lot I could ask him, but I should probably keep it to just one or two questions.

Surely the mine has some stories that aren't sad like the cabin's

Yes.
Mention the cabin and ask if theres anything in the mines history thats a bit, um, brighter than that. Positive stuff.

What's his favorite soder?

How much copper is still in this mine? how much copper did everyone mine?

1/2 Buckwheat 2025/11/30(Sun)13:05 No. 1118159 ID: b6ea64
File 176453671644.png - (7.06KB , 800x600 , 55.png )

>What's his favorite soder?
Kaari: “What’s your favorite soder, Pickford?”

Pickford: “Mmm, Doctor Leopard.”

Lana: “Citrus or Cream Soda flavor?”

Pickford: “Cream Soder. Cherry’s okay too. Not too fussy.”

>How much copper is still in this mine?
Kaari: “Is there any copper left to find?”

Pickford: “Possibly. Mostly just tours now. Still maintain things for safety.”

>how much copper did everyone mine?
Lana: “How much copper came out of this mine?”

Pickford: “Wasn’t too privy on that. At least two-hundred tons, maybe three?

>Surely the mine has some stories that aren't sad like the cabin's
> Mention the cabin and ask if theres anything in the mines history thats a bit, um, brighter than that. Positive stuff.
Kaari: “Got anything more positive than the cabin story?”

Pickford: “Is that the snow in, or the lumber accident?”

Pickford: “Don’t matter I guess. Both were tragic.”

He rubs his throat for a moment,

Pickford: “Positive stories… well I guess there’s the cave-in we had. Almost lost my crew-"

Lana: “That’s positive?”

Pickford: Almost, don’t be interrupting now. Yours truly saved the day.”

He leans forward and starts telling his tale,

2/2 Buckwheat 2025/11/30(Sun)13:06 No. 1118160 ID: b6ea64
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Pickford: “So, there I was, playing a game of blackjack. Having some soders with the guys. Foremen comes in all pissed off at me.”

He tries to sound like an angry drill sergeant, he still sounds a bit rough.

Pickford: ”Are all jackasses deaf or just you! On your feet, grab your gear, your crew just caved themselves in!”

Pickford: “No one heard a thing. Crew wasn’t even scheduled to go in yet. Foreman gave me shit for not being round. Asked him what happened, and he said,”

Pickford: “You got a Smoky Joe amongst your men Pickford! Some idiot chimney puffer went and lit one of them damn cancer sticks and caused an explosion! Probably ain’t got no fur left on his face.”

Lana: “You really remember everything he said there?”

Pickford: “When you got a foremen like ol Mueller, you don’t forget a thing he says.”

Kaari: “Yeah, I don’t think I could ever forget someone calling someone a chimney puffer.”

Lana: “Yeah, and if I ever hear you call me that, you better hope I wasn’t listening.”

He chuckles,
Pickford: “Well, foremen’s tangent aside. I grabbed my tool belt en helmet. Followed the foremen down to where my crew was. Situation was worse than I thought, those bums were screwing around with their lady friends. Tryin to act all tough and show’em round the mines.”

He stops to down another water.

Pickford: “No ‘chimney puffers’ in my crew though. Some jackass was playing with the dynamite.”

Pickford: “Anyway, quite the rough situation. Explosion had rubble rollin and seal’en’em in.”

Pickford: “Spent hours shoveling gravel away only to find more trouble.”

Kaari: “What could possibly make the cave-in worse?”

Pickford: “A second cave-in of course.”

Pickford: “Nah, wasn’t that bad. A solid slab was in our way next.”

Kaari: “Did you have to blow it up?”

Pickford: “Not a chance. Had to bust it up.”

Lana: “What’d you use then? I can’t imagine a pickax would break solid rock.”

Pickford: “You’d be right. Picks are for prying. Foremen had to haul in the power tools.”

Kaari: “Like a jack hammer?"

Pickford: “Nah, rock breakers. Bit smaller, easier to hold.”

Pickford: “Breaks more than rocks too.”

He motions his wrist a bit and winces.

Pickford: “Also kills your hands.”

Lana: “How long did it take to make an exit hole or something for them?”

Pickford: “Oh it wasn’t no hole. Had to break the whole thing down.”

Pickford: “Five hours and eight men.”

Kaari: “Did everyone make it out okay?”

Pickford: “Well, no deaths. Jackass who caused it, knocked himself unconscious. Hauled him out on a stretcher.”

He gets a big smile on his face.

Pickford: “Came busting in for everyone. Tell ya, all dem ladies came rushing to me.”

Then he blushes,
Pickford: “Was how I met my wife, Chloe.”

He slumps over a bit and sighs,
Pickford: “Bless her heart, she was a wonderful gal.”

Pickford: “That’s the story though. Most folks like a happy rescue. What’d you think?”

We gotta hero in our presence, 2 heroes in fact! I’d ask Lana to share her heroic story, but it might be too traumatic…

Hmm… Actually maybe ask about any trauma he or the other miners might have faced if any after that ordeal and how they dealt with it. Like how was he and his people able to continue working in the mines after something so horrific? Maybe he can share some tips for your and Lana's own trauma and help overcome your fear of water.

Other than that, maybe he can show you where the cave-in happened, so we can get a visual idea of what he experienced

>>1118160
That was wonderful.
A happy ending, even for the jackass but mostly for the folks who deserved it.

>>1118162
Yep.
Salute the hero.
Hes the real deal.

It... does kinda sound like he has lost his wife though.
But maybe ask him about chloe. If he wants to talk.
No pressure.
She was a part of a story too after all.
He sounds like he dug up a diamond that day.

Sounds like what must have been a traumatic experience has faded to the point its just an interesting story to tell.

Maybe someday Lana and Kaari will look back on that night the same way.