Prompt: Safety may be an illusion, but it is one a Courser must maintain to live the life of an adventurer. What do you do (or bring along) to help bolster your spirits and make you feel protected?

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Jin met with Logue at the entrance of the Earthen Furnace.

“You have everything you need?” he asked Jin.

“I believe so,” Jin replied.

“Mind listing off what you brought along?”

“Of course. I brought water, plenty of it. Some rope as well as a length of chain.”

“Chain?”

“Rope would burn, so I figured a chain might come in handy just in case we need something in a place where rope won’t work.”

Jin motioned with their head to the side where the chain was hanging from their harness right next to a coil of rope. Both swung at their side and the chain rattled lightly with each movement.

Logue nodded, intrigued.

“I have a lamp, for any darker sections, and a small medical pack I put together. Never know when you might need some bandages or herbs. A pouch of fruits and grains in case we get hungry and can’t find anything down there, especially if we get lost at all. Brought a blade in case I need to cut anything or need it to defend myself. And a guide.”
“A guide? Like a book or map?”

Jin chuckled at Logue’s question.

“Figured the guide one would be obvious.”

“Oh, wait, do you mean me?”

“Indeed. Going down alone seems like the worst thing one could do as someone unfamiliar with that level of the dungeon. What better way to stay safe than to bring along a more experienced guide.”

“Well, I’m glad you considered me for the job!” Logue replied.

After going over all of their tools and supplies, the two began their descent. Leaving the Overgrown Caverns behind they entered the Earthen Furnace. Heat filled the tunnels and proceeded to rise the further in they went. Any vines that tried to grow eventually stopped, ends shriveled from the intense heat.

Jin felt reassured by the presence of Logue. The only other item they brought that helped reassure them was the decently sized water bag they brought along. As the waves of heat blasted their pelt they knew the water was absolutely necessary. The heat clawed at their sides and face, funneling through the tunnel until it opened up into the larger chamber. The lava and fire lit the place quite well and the heat sat with nary a breeze to ease the discomfort. Jin fidgeted as they scanned the landscape.

This was going to be a long dive.