The sound of thundering hooves against cobblestone broke the silence.

The sound of the shuffling, broken being that followed behind them rang out louder than the sizzling of the furnace.

Sheltie pinned her ears back, jaw hanging agape as she tried to keep pace. She had come down into the dungeons for treasure that was spoken of, having been promised safety by the white courser she had hired. This didn't feel safe. It wasn't safe.

A glance was cast towards the taller courser running alongside her, his brows furrowed and pink eyes focused on the path ahead. He carried a certain restrained panic, his jaw tense and clenched, nostrils flared.

Suddenly, a screech sounded from behind them.

Followed by Sheltie crumpling to the ground.

The mangled creature pinned her down, it's lips drawn back in a snarl as it went in to snap it's many teeth around her neck. This was it, this was the end. Her eyes shut tight, bracing herself for the impact that was soon to follow. She was going to die here. Alone. Crispin had surely ran off to safety by now, right?

Wrong.

Crack.

Sheltie waited for the impact that never came, the cracking sound barely registering in her head.

"Are you alright?"
Crispin's voice sounded from above her, dipping his head down to nuzzle his muzzle against her forehead.

Sheltie's eyes sprung open, staring at the far more experienced adventurer.

"Did you.. kill it?"
She'd inquire, hauling herself to her hooves once more.

Crispin would only vaguely gesture to the heap of flesh, bones and slime laying on the ground beside them. The creature already starting to degrade into nothing but a sludge.

Sheltie felt a shiver run down her spine as she shook her head, trying to rid herself of the images that formed. Taking a moment before she would realize Crispin had started on the path forward again, quickly following behind him.