Prompt: You stumble upon a fellow adventurer who is hopelessly lost on this level of the dungeon. Will you help them? *Can* you help them?

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Jalil had managed to get his hooves on a contract that allowed him to hire the help of another, more experienced, dungeoneer to take him further into the dungeon than his current experience allowed or that he was comfortable with on his own. The black courser was honestly quite excited to see something new and learn how to navigate the deeper Earthen Furnace layer of the dungeons. While he had so far felt useful helping those in the Overgrown Cavern, he hoped to improve his own skills and help those deeper in the dungeon, in more dangerous sections of the dungeon where he knew his help was needed even more. Using this contract he knew exactly who he wanted to learn from.
“Thank you, sincerely, for accepting my request,” Jalil said.
“Of course! I’m always happy to teach pathfinding to anyone with the desire to learn! I’m honored you chose to hire me to join you,” Phoebe replied.
“I couldn’t think of anyone better to teach me how to navigate the Earthen Furnace.”
The golden courser with shiny specks coming from the corners of her eyes and flowing down her neck led the way as they left the Overground Caverns behind and entered the heat filled tunnels leading them to the Earthen Furnace below. The further down they went the hotter and more smoky it became.
Beside the black courser was his companion, a black hound named Shadow. With Shadow’s excellent sense of smell Jalil felt it would be helpful to have the canine around in case he needed assistance finding his way out but was certain they were unlikely to get lost with Phoebe in the lead. Shadow did help them with finding something else though.
“There are a ton of bridges here that make quite good landmarks. I like to show them to new dungeoneers so they can tell the difference between them and use them as a point to help them navigate the dungeon,” Phoebe was telling him.
“I will say, these bridges look old and a little dangerous,” Jalil replied.
“Most likely. Some are falling apart. Hence it is even better to be able to tell them apart as it will help you know which are safe to cross and which you might like to avoid.”
“HELP!”
Both of them froze as they heard the voice. Shadow though began to bark. His nose lifted into the air and despite all the smoke he was able to pick up something. The red eyed canine took off running along the lava filled canyon.
“Shadow! Come back!” Jalil called.
“Follow him,” Phoebe said.
Phoebe began to follow with Jalil on her heels.
“HELP! PLEASE!”
They heard the voice again, this time it was louder. The canine had heard the call and caught on to the faint scent and could hear them better so took off running towards the source. They watched Shadow who they barely managed to keep up with until the canine suddenly stopped.
“W-where did you come from?” a voice said to the canine.
Shadow woofed at the courser and wagged his tail.
“Well, it’s good to see a friendly face,” they sniffled.
“Maybe a few?” Phoebe then asked.
The stranger lifted their head and looked at the two new coursers with surprise.
“You alright?” Jalil asked, “we could hear your calls for help.”
He began to approach, ready to give the stranger a once over to check for injuries.
“I’m alright,” they replied, “just very lost.”
“Ah, well that is something we can help with easily! I’m teaching this fella how to pathfind here in the furnace! How about you join us, I’ll teach ya both a bit and then I’ll get you both out of here safe and sound,” Phoebe offered.
“Also, that way you’re less likely to get lost next time,” Jalil added.
The stranger sniffled.
“I don’t have any coin to offer.”
“Do not worry, I can cover any cost of you joining us. I’ll happily pay Phoebe to teach you as well,” Jalil offered.
“There is no need,” Phoebe said.
“Please, you’re going out of your way to help us. Allow me to pay you for your lessons.”
The stranger smiled, wiping away a tear.
“Thank you!” they said.
Soon they were back on their way after Shadow got a treat for a job well done. Back to the bridges they went with Phoebe explaining the difference between them all to the now two coursers under her tutelage.