The disappointing outcome of what had initially seemed like an earth-shattering event wasn't something everyone had been granted the misfortune of witnessing firsthand. Some, discouraged by Polaris' natural defenses against Order's fungus, were rather uninclined to stride through that cave except out of grudging necessity. The fact that a selection of the Hive's infected Lesser eyes had rather abruptly fled from the scene when not compelled to remain in place served to reinforce the sentiment, and so Halcyon had decided only to dare approaching the magical center of the cavern system once most of the commotion calmed to more tolerable levels. They'd taken precious time en route to their destination, their stroll a patient and cautious one starting from the mirrored peacefulness of Gemini.

Creeping in from this tunnel instead of the more direct channel to the core had been a tactical choice. The smothering humidity here tended to dissuade many a traveller from making it their preferred footpath. Therefore it was ideal for a Drone wishing to keep their movements relatively low profile. A solitary sound should've echoed throughout: clicking claws accompanied by the steady tap of their handcrafted staff. To hear and see a young Gembound scrabbling away at an opal seam defied those expectations.

Halcyon halted their walk and stood in observant silence, head tilted inquisitively. It appeared the canine's natural weaponry was ineffective so far at penetrating stone to retrieve a segment of the desired material. They pondered over allowing these futile efforts to continue so that they might gauge how long it took for the average cave dweller to recognize and accept certain failure. Cold amusement born of painful experience suspected that length would be rather impressive; after all, their kind had demonstrated how willing they were to burn and bite at their liberators despite common sense.

Nevertheless, the study was discarded as not particularly worth pursuing. A gentle hum cleared their throat, and they offered soft insight on the picture before them. "If I may speculate, you haven't quite the strength or tools necessary for a task of this nature." Halcyon hefted their staff and pointed it toward the vein. "A valiant attempt, but mayhap I can offer assistance. The gemstone is what you covet, yes?"