With a sigh, Candescent turned his eyes towards the exit of the dungeon. He longed to see the sky and feel the sun on his face for just a few more moments… but it was not to be.

Grimly he turned away from the entrance and towards the dark. The others moved ahead and behind him. He floated like a ghost in the company of the other dungeon divers. They were a wide assortment of adventurers. Combatants, healers, trackers, haulers and more. 

One of his young cousins, Theerian, had gone diving with a small group. His party had returned without him. They spoke of combat. Of blood on stone. Candescent was fairly certain that they would only find a corpse at best.

A heavy weight bumped along his neck with every step. It was a long, rectangular locket made of dully smooth iron. The locket was attached to a clamp and cord which had long ago been deftly woven into his mane. And within the locket? Hairs from the manes of his loved ones and family.

One of Theerian’s hairs resided within. It might be the only remains of a bright life cut short.

At least if Candescent perished- no, WHEN he finally perished within these depths, at least he would not be alone. The memories of many years would come with him and perhaps gentle his transition into whatever lay beyond.

With another sigh, Candescent returned his focus to the dungeon around him. It wouldn’t do to stumble over an easily avoided crack in the stone ground. He might be old, but his body was still sound. Mostly. Candescent wished to avoid being urged into one of the body carts and pulled along by the others like an ancient patriarch who had outlived the world.

No, Candescent was still sound. Despite the years and sorrows. At least, for now.