Castalla and Karlach//

Like the serpentine coils of some ancient, slumbering leviathan, the dungeon’s dark corridors twisted and turned in an endless labyrinth of shadows. Karlach had been travelling separately for a few weeks but now that the two lovers were reunited, they were both gleeful and relieved. The shadows seemed far light, the air less oppressive, when they had each other’s company. Castalla found herself once more travelling with Quill and Elrin, surprisingly glad of their company, and was quick to introduce them to the towering mare by her side.

For a little while they followed the winding tunnel with nothing but dust, cobwebs and the odd rat for entertainment.

“Well ain’t this place a little cheerful slice of heaven?” Karlach’s voice rang out in the stone corridor, loud and happy, as though nothing could break her mood.

“Sure, if you like your heaven with a side of doom and gloom,” Castalla answered, flashing a grin at her partner, feeling that familiar rush of affection and relief at having her back.

“Stick with me darling and we’ll paint it red.” Karlach nudged Castalla with her shoulder playfully, causing Beaky to coo in an unappreciative manner as she fumbled for better purchase on Karlach’s withers.

Time stretched on and soon the group found themselves in the gutted remains of a library, where dusty books were strewn and shelves leant precariously against each other.

“Ugh, really?” Karlach groaned exaggeratedly. “A library? That’s so boring. Where are the dusty skeletons and creepy monsters?”

“Just think of all the history and hidden secrets,” Castalla purred, smirking, as she moved deeper into the room to examine a particularly hefty tome that sent an explosion of dust into the air as she nudged it shut with her nose.

"I like my secret unhidden and my history short, thank you very much,” Karlach grumbled.

But they weren’t without excitement for very long. No sooner had Karlach uttered the complaint, the air seemed to breathe with some inexorable magic. Books began to rise, pages flapping like heathen wings as they picked up speed, until they were diving giddily for the small group.

“Find some cover!” Castalla yelled, scooping up Beaky, who was now squawking indignantly after being knocked off Karlach’s shoulders by a particularly aggressive tome. She ducked one book and lashed out at the other, depositing the little dragon safely in an alcove where he couldn't get hit.

For her part, the large red mare was grinning happily, pleased with the sudden and chaotic turn of events.

“Is that all you’ve got? Bring it on you sorry excuse for kindling,” Karlach roared, her horned helmet connecting with the next book that aimed for her head.

Elrim & Quill//

When Castalla and Karlach had turned around the corner meeting them for the more dangerous parts of the dungeon, Quill had been thrilled. Companions were few and far in-between sometimes, and finding those that they did have was like rain after a drought or the butterflies after winter. Absolutely delightful. 

"Do you think we'll find another sword?" Quill asked curiously, staring up at them with bright eyes, hoping for another grand story to tell. 

Walter chattered disapprovingly beside him at the thought. 

"Unlikely. Do you really want a repeat of last time?" Elrim asked with a small snort. The young courser flat on his back, hooves in the air, sword in his mouth had been entertaining. But he had had to live with the kid complaining about being sore for a while after that. Getting out of the dungeon then had been for the best. 

Quill huffed softly, shaking his head in quiet embarrassment as he focused his eyes instead on the cavern floor, placing his hooves in the steps that people had travelled before them. It didn't last long until he was looking at the mage's library with wide eyes and open interest. 

Until the books attacked, that was. Each book spoke an arcane language that he didn't understand, but he didn't need to. Karlach roared, Castalla jumped into action, and Elrim darted into the room.

"Try and see if there's an item that's controlling them." Elrim suggested as he pulled a few of the books towards him. Hooves struck at the air as he reared, knocking one of the books to the ground. 

"Got it!" Quill called out as he jumped out of the way and lowered himself to the floor. "Get 'em, Walter!"

The white goose took to the air with a shriek, joining the commotion among the dusty, cobwebbed covered tomes. Each hidebound book that came near him was attacked with the ferocity that only a goose could, pages floating down above the coursers as they focused on their own. 

Swords out, Quill and Elrim jumped in among the books. If they couldn't find what controlled them, they were going to turn them into kindling.