Not Safe Just Yet

JP with Alexis, Voah, Tarmen and Gonyaul:

More people looking for them?

“Which friends? Do they know about the mould?” asked Voah.

“Hunter, of course. Didn’t hesitate a second when he heard you were missing. Also Boyce, Islana, Wim and some random prospector by the name of Alcuin that used us as a chance to get to the Fang faster. Yeah, they know. About the Neph-Kin, too.”

Gonyaul was listening but was simultaneously mesmerized by the sensation of walking hand in hand with Voah. The soft Cupid-struck grin on his face spoke volumes.

That was a surprise to Voah, all except for Hunter. He proved to be very faithful to her so far. But perhaps she shouldn’t have been surprised at all, they all had pitched in to make her Natalday a special and memorable occasion.

“I can’t thank you enough. All of you. Especially you, Tarmen. I wouldn’t be here without you… but perhaps I should save that for when we are safely out of this place.”

Tarmen was glad to hear he hadn’t pushed Hunter away with his ‘dancing lessons’. He was also glad he hadn’t faced the mold; no telling what would have happened if it had gotten hold of the assassin.
Wim also caught his ear. The boy had truly changed and he found himself glad for it. Better he be a brewer man than a whining Lordling.
Hearing the Arbiter speak to him, he nodded in agreement.
“Yes, while I am enjoyin’ the two of your’s presence, I will definitely save a heartier thanks when out of these damned rocks. Especially to you Arbiter.”

Gonyaul gave Voah’s hand a gentle squeeze as a silent means to say ‘your welcome’.

Tar looked back with a little bit of irritation. They were a chatty bunch he thought to himself. He was inclined to let it continue; however, they were at a particularly precarious juncture of the ascent. It would be best if they were silent and had their wits on high alert.

Without trying to sound alarming, Tar called back to them in a forceful whisper. “Alright nuff talkin till I say so. This next passage is safe enough if you can keep to two rules: Keep vibrations to a minimum, including talking. Second, stay tight and close in line. There are going to be several side tunnels at differing angles. Don’t let yourself anywhere near to putting so much as a hand or foot inside one. Got it?”

Her eyebrows raised in silent alarm. Voah was hoping the rest of the trek back would be a merrier one, but it was to be expected she supposed. They were not out yet. She listened and would heed the advice of this guide of theirs. Introductions could wait anyway.