For Strohmeier, it felt like they were walking for forever due to the sorrow he was encumbered by, but regardless of that, he followed Crispin’s lead. After what in actuality wasn't that long at all, Crispin turned and walked into a marked cave. It was a small safe house set up by the guild, with a door and everything. Strohmeier was a bit surprised by this, but at the same time, it also felt like it just made the most sense.

“Here we should be safe from any unwanted guests. We have placed protective wards, and should something breach them we also have a lock down system. Although that is a very temporary solution. This cave is not fit to stay in for too long, as we have no emergency stock here.” Crispin calmly explained as he started to unload whatever gear he was carrying. “Please, make yourself at home. We shall rest here for the night.”

Strohmeier nodded and also started to remove all his baggage, as well as take off his barding. He had accidentally fallen asleep in it before, and it was not the most comfortable feeling. He smiled a little as he thought back on their last campaign. These damned books had beaten him up a couple of times by now and looking at what was out in the moor, getting defeated by books seemed to silly. 

“You look happy. I take it you have enjoyed our journey so far?” Crispin said as he laid down to warm up and eat by the campfire he had just lit.

“Oh, absolutely. Was just thinking about my party though. As much as I enjoy your company, of course, I do still miss them a lot.” Strohmeier replied and almost felt a bit ashamed, as if he was insulting Crispin in any way. But the gray dunskin smiled back towards him. 

“I totally get it. Have some food before we rest, you will need the energy in the morning.”

Strohmeier nodded and got closer to the fire. He sank his teeth into some well needed food, he had been hungrier than he realised and his stomach screamed at him for more food. 

Sometime later, the two of them had made themselves comfortable in one corner of the cave each for some privacy. Strohmeier, after some struggle, managed to fall asleep. But he was barely asleep. His whole body felt restless and his sleep was light. He dreamt of his party, his partner, but the dreams were distorted and lucid. He dreamt about what could've happened if they had not escaped the spectral hands. How they could have been swallowed whole by the floor and dragged down into an abyss full of shadowlike beings with tentacles, chewing away at them until nothing remained. 

The dream quickly shifted back to one of the many times they had passed a hairless creature. The one they had to quietly sneak by in a narrow tunnel. In his dream, the creature woke up. It was an eyeless courser, and it lunged towards Senbonzakura, tearing him to pieces and eating him alive, his screams echoing loud in Strohmeier's ears. He couldn’t control his actions, he was running away, but he wanted to help his partner! PLEASE let me run back to him! 

Strohmeier shot up from the floor, shaken up and barely able to stand. His heart was beating fast and he felt dizzy. He frantically looked around and a sigh of relief escaped the dark courser as he realised where he was. He was in the moor with Crispin, nothing bad had happened. Not yet. They were all fine, they had gotten out. He knew Senbonzakura was alive, but that dream felt so real that he was barely convinced anymore.