Hollow

Jova pulled him upright. "Odd name, I must say. Where are you from?"

“Well, it’s more of a... nickname, per say. I live over in Mindscape- yes, that’s the name of the town- or at least, I used to anyways.”

"Never heard of it," Jova said cheerily. "Where are you headed, then?"

“The home of a friend of mine.” Sol smiled slightly. “I’m trying to see if I could stay with him. I just hope he lets me in...”

"Do you know where you're going from here, then? You'll be alright on your own?" Jova wasn't sure he could point him in the direction of the marsh's end, but he could try.

“I’m... not sure..? I’ve never been around here before... have you?” Secretly, Sol really just didn’t want to be alone again.

"Never," Jova admitted, "though I've done extensive research on the area. I'm hunting for a treasure, you see."

“...Huh... a treasure..? I didn’t know there were treasures in here...” Sol glanced around. “...Maybe I can help you along the way..?”

Jova raised an eyebrow. "I'm afraid I can't give you a cut. That's not how it works."

The sun was still high in the sky as Amoku neared the voices.

". . . not how it works."

Amokue decided to eavesdrop for now.

“Hey, I wasn’t gonna even ask for the treasure. ...How about we make a deal. If I help you find the treasure, you can help me find my way to the other side of this place, where my friend lives. We can help each other.” Sol held out his hand to shake. “Deal?”

Jova paused, considering. There was safety in numbers, and if something went wrong he could easily remedy it.
"Very well," he agreed, shaking Sol's hand firmly. "We have a deal, good sir."

Sol smiled. “Good. Now if we’re gonna find that treasure, then let’s get a move on.”

"Right you are." Jova turned on his heel, checking his compass before setting off east.

Treasure?, thought Amoku, ideas running through his mind at the speed of a hawk.

I hope they know where the treasure is, thought Amoku. He couldn't help but let out a devious smile as he quietly followed them.