Dillyweed | Söl / Rial

They needed to rest, and it was clear. A bit more than they actually already had. And that was quite clear. The spinning took a toll on them and while the room was charging up again they rested more, it was not quite enough. They needed a full rest, not just the small rests they managed in the caves. But they left the room through one of the new doors. The doors led deep into the caves. But the group ventured into it. Eventually they'd find their way back. Either my sheer force or by sheer luck. 

As the caves became more dirty Söl became more intrigued by the cracks and fauna. He collected some of the grass looking vegetation that grew down from the ceiling and a couple of flowers that despite the fact that they had lived their entire life underground still flowered.

He would finally find bugs, which the rest of the tunnel, arenas and book rooms had desperately lacked for him. He even managed to find some bugs he hoped would make great partners to his already existing bugs back on the surface.

One bug was still in its larva stage and he hoped it would turn out to be an entire new species he could name. But if it turned out to evolve into an already known species he wouldn't be specifically sad about it either. Maybe no one had seen the larva before and it was still a huge discovery. It was promptly put into his little insect cages.

The tunnels turned and twisted in front and behind them. It wasn't particularly advanced turns and tricks. But it kept them on their toes. The tunnels were big which meant that the ones that dug them could be as big. And meeting one of them suddenly could be devastating. Which is why the team walked carefully and quietly through the tunnels. Not making too many sounds. Communication was mostly just body language at that part.

Their fears would be realized either way. As the hairless creature was one turn away from the group. Sleeping soundly in a corner. Luckily for them with its back towards the small passage between it and the dirt wall. It would take great care to pass it without waking it.

380 words

AberrantKapro | Strohmeier / Senbonzakura

Strohmeier and Senbonzakura were already severely exhausted from both the gas and the spinning, especially Strohmeier had taken quite a toll from it. He was sure that he’d feel better eventually, with some remedies and rest perhaps, but right now all he could do was long for a good rest as they had to progress through the tunnel system to get someplace safe to set up a more permanent camp.

As usual, despite their fatigue, Senbonzakura took the lead, wary of any potential dangers they could face. They had already been through way too much for his liking, and he was determined to get them all out safe for a long vacation in a tavern somewhere far away from all these disgusting tunnels and rooms. Moments like these, he was wondering why he even bothered going to the dungeons, but he knew that it was necessary to map it out and find out the truth about the fallen kingdom, he just had very little interest in it himself, but his clan demanded information which he was to provide. As the heir to the throne, the pressure was on him to listen to his family and fulfill their orders and wishes, to become a worthy and fitting heir. He wasn’t necessarily interested in following their footsteps, he would most likely make many changes when it would be his time to rule, but that was likely far into the future anyway so he didn’t really have to think too actively about it. All he had to do was comply for now.

As they walked through the tunnels, Senbonzakura couldn’t help but think that they didn’t feel natural, unlike many others they had walked through before. Sure, most had been stone while this one was dirt, but it still didn’t feel quite right. Sure enough, he had to make the group come to a halt. Another hairless beast. His vision was still slightly blurred and unfocused, so he could barely tell if it was the same species or not, but he felt it’s threatening presence regardless. He looked back at the group, feeling slightly defeated. They could squeeze by, but was it worth it? He wanted to ask what they would prefer, but he couldn’t risk waking the creature. Last time, Strohmeier had just barely gotten away, he refused to risk his life again and nodded for the group to go one before him, placing himself between them and the snoring beast.

Strohmeier was walking slowly, keeping an eye on Söl to make sure he followed along in a safe enough distance. He didn’t want them to get separated too much, but Söl kept up the pace well, so Strohmeier could focus on keeping himself upright more. He also had Kinka and Micke tailing him, as they could feel that he wasn’t feeling too good, and he couldn’t help but smile and be thankful that their pets cared about him so.

When Senbonzakura had stopped them, Strohmeier was quick to see why. Another of those terrifying creatures, great. Strohmeier was prepared to be the sacrificial lamb once more, he wouldn’t ever hesitate to protect the others, but Senbonzakura refused and quietly demanded he move one out before him. Strohmeier complied, he knew there was no point trying to convince that stubborn madder champagne. It was part of his charm, but right now Strohmeier couldn’t help but be frustrated about his stubbornness. 

Quietly and carefully, they walked past Senbonzakura and the beast to proceed out of the tunnel. Strohmeier was almost holding his breath at this point, and so was Senbonzakura. The dark courser couldn't help but be relieved that they didn’t have any heavy pets in their company. There was no way something like an elemental would be able to pass by without waking the beast. He looked down at their furred pets who snuck so well with their soft paw pads on the damp floor. Maybe they’d get out safe after all.

Strohmeier looked back at Senbonzakura, who had just started to walk away from the beast as well. He was worried and nervous that it would suddenly wake up and grab him, drag him away into the dark tunnels. He had to shake the worry out of his head and swallowed what felt like a boulder of anxiety. May it not get disturbed..

722 words