Out again, on an adventure begrudgingly agreed to, this time, without his husband. Haren rarely liked diving without him due to their synergy just meshing so well. However, he was busy and Haren needed to put on his big boy armor for once. Having been the most seasoned adventurer out of this group, he led the way with Slug, the small spiked hound by his side. 

His thoughts wandered aimlessly, unsure of how his current party would play out. He was hopeful with everyone, albeit a little anxious. Cassander was an acquaintance, having adventured with him before and their partners were well involved. The peppy long eared Courser was of no concern, it was the others that caused his mind to be riled up. His blue eyes refused to avert his attention from them, worried they may have ulterior motives. Nevertheless, Haren pressed on with the group, leading them through familiar paths and dangerous footing. Everything was going well until they could venture no further.

Entering an alcove, Haren took in the surroundings diligently. He knew the dungeons were always hungry, always yearning, for the next serving of Courser. A quick scan told him the alcove was safe, at this moment. He reached his braided neck down to his canine and asked her to survey all the nooks and crannies that they could not. She wagged her whip like tail happily and trotted off to do as her owner told. 

“Seems like we will need to rest here, for a moment, before attempting to push forward everyone.” His voice was authoritative as he gestured with his head towards the grate blocking their path. 

The other’s did their due diligence to help set up a place to rest. Well, within their own special ways did they contribute. Cassander naturally aided Haren in laying out bedrolls and setting up packs in ways that would deter anything, or, anyone, from rummaging them. They quietly conversed amongst themselves, the sounds of the dungeon muffling the conversation from curious ears. It wasn’t a highly secretive conversation but Haren had opinions he needed to share. Knowing full well the hushed words were about her, Elemiah, a large Ether Courser, continued to do her part in clearing the area of debris and pesky vermin. She rolled her gold eyes, catching words here and there. Although annoyed, she continued to do what was asked of her, before settling down by herself with a whetstone, her blade and the damned little wyrm

The other Puck, however, was a strange one. She was quiet, mumbling to herself every so often. A small, sentient mushroom followed her every footstep, throwing menacing glances at anyone who got too close to her. She would repeatedly return to the campsite with foraged food and sticks for the fire before trodding off again into the darkness. Haren dared not ask what she was doing, he didn't want to know nor did he care that much. So long as she was doing her part and not causing issues within the group. To be honest, neither he nor Cass really knew where she came from. They didn't invite her and Elemiah vehemently denied bringing her along.

Odd really. She must’ve just…tagged along. 

As they settled, incoherent whispers began to carry into their ears, catching their attention. Something wasn't right. Something was stirring. Haren quickly called for his hound as the others scrambled to their feet. No answer. Everyone else’s pet returned from their duties. But Slug did not. Panic began to set into Haren’s chest. They had to find her. 

Just as Elemiah was about to send out Pest for a surveillance from the air, a shrill yelp echoed through the chamber. Everyone's ears perked to attention as Haren’s heart dropped to the pit of his chest. That was her. That was his dog. Hooves pounded the cavern floor creating a crescendo of worried hearts. 

It didn't take them long to arrive at the grate that blocked the adventurers earlier. A horror was unfolding for them upon arrival. A ghastly skeletal head had it’s boney maw clamped tight on the small hound. Sanguine liquid trickled to the stones below, Slug’s breathing was labored and struggling. 

“PLEEAAASE…LET ME JOOOOIN…I WILL-”

SCHNK!

“I don't care..” A cold voice interrupted, her blade now stained with ichor.