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    Everyone in Rockridge knew about the caves west of town. Everyone also knew about the rumors and mystery surrounding the recent eerie noises that can be heard late at night from the caves. Everyone knew, and despite knowing, Gavin nervously approached the mouth of the caves. When close enough he paused and peered into the darkness and listened. No noise, not a sound. And nothing to see either, as the caves dark interior covered any slight chance of visibility.

    Despite the intimidating first impression, Gavin took another step forward. As he looked further he remembered his mother scolding him about wanting to come here. How it's dangerous during all times and only the foolish approach such a pointless endeavor.

    The cave stood before him like a never-ending cavern of dark. Gavin pondered what could be making the noises and what lurks inside. Most people wouldn't even consider going into a cave like this even with an escort of Rockridges finest guards, let alone explore the cave alone. Gavin however, was brave. Or so he thought. With one final breath he charged forth, his flintlock pistol loaded and ready in case something went wrong. He was never a good shot. No Gavin much rather preferred swordplay, but he figured if he has a chance to stop something before he needs his sword. He'll take it.

    Immediately upon entering the cave the temperature dropped. Gavin hadn't made it hardly 50 feet past the entrance before he started seeing his breath. Teeth chattering and eyes alert. He kneeled down to grab the lantern at his side. With his other hand Gavin lit a match he had been holding against a wall in the cave with a single strike and tossed it into the base of the lantern. The oil ignited almost instantly and illuminated the area. Gavin stood up and reached the lantern out. Around him all he saw was rocks and his own freezing breath.

    Ignoring the possibility of monsters or other un-worldly options that could be living here, Gavin pressed forward deeper into the cave. He hiked for what felt like hours, through small cracks in walls and over massive boulders blocking his path. The temperature remaining a blood freezing cold. Gavin hardly managed to keep warm as he explored every inch of cave available. Minutes turned into hours as Gavin investigated every out of place object in the cave hoping to reveal the big mystery, to no avail.

   Gavin reached the mouth of the cave once again and let loose a massive sigh of defeat as he saw the sun preparing to set and began to venture out. He had found nothing, no source of the reported sounds everyone heard at night. No secret button that when pressed opened a door to some hidden treasure. Not even any sort of clue as to what could be occurring here late at night. As he started walking away from the cave, he stopped in his tracks. He wasn't going to give up, and he was going to find something, anything, to give him some answers.

    He knew it was a risk, nobody ever dared investigate what occurs outside of town after hours. The offer was irresistible to Gavin however. He had been a curious person since the day he could walk. Always wandering around the house taking apart childrens toys and tinkering with the gears and wires. After weighing the options and possible outcome Gavin turned around and pursued deeper into the cave once more.