Washing Off the Depths

JP with Alexis, Voah, Tarmen and Gonyaul.

While they moved through the tunnel it kept getting narrower and lower, till the torch flames started caressing the ceiling. All of them needed to lower themselves to some degree to navigate through. The torch light did indeed reveal several holes along the sides, some low and some high. Yet inside them was pitch black, which meant they had an indiscernible depth.

The group could hear a chittering noise, a rustle of chitin on stone, or a squelch of mucous randomly from down a hole. These sounds were easy reminders not to mess around with them as instructed.

Fortunately everyone was a model listener, even the prone to daydreaming Gonyaul. The tunnel opened up wider and taller again. Tar could have told them at this point they were out of danger; however, decided he preferred the silence right now.

Eventually, they all entered a larger space. A dozen metres inside the cave there was a small pool to the right of fresh water. Tar moves over to it and reveals a bucket he stashed for utility purposes.

Tar spoke calmly and louder now, “I suggest we take a short break. Anyone want to bathe or get a drink this will be your last and only chance before we reach my camp at the entrance.” He shook his head and chuckled at the filthy lot.

“Not gonna say no to that one.”

Alexis gladly took the offered bucket. It would be very nice to feel at least halfway clean again.

Gonyaul released Voah’s hand for the first time since they interlocked.

“I watch tunnel, ok?”

It was a rhetorical question. He moved to the entrance of the tunnel leading back down and took position, with his back facing the pool to give those washing privacy, and took a seat in sentry mode. Voah’s sword was laying in his lap.

Tarmen was for once overjoyed to be offered a wash, subconsciously removing the pack and moving towards the pool. He kept his pants on mainly because he cared less about that area and more about the blood, grime, and slime covering his top half.
Entering the clean water, he did check the bottom to make sure nothing was crawling around his feet. When satisfied, he was quick to wash, paying little mind to everyone else in this moment.

When it was her turn, Voah also took the bucket gladly, washing away the grime of who knew how long. The water was cold so she took it slow and made sure to keep her clothes on in case more evils decided to get the drop in them.

There was a new person underneath it all, one that was still battered and bruised but already, the slashes on her arms were gone.

When she was through she made her way back to Gonyaul and helped him up.

“Your turn.” she couldn’t help but smile, her heart was happy to be reunited. She finally took her sword.

Gonyaul smiled back and rose to his feet. He was glad to finally return the sword to its rightful owner.

“Thank you.” He signed.

He made his way to the pool and stripped completely nude again. He had covered his entire body with mud and had his work cut out for him to get clean. Using the bucket, once it was free, he began the process of washing his body. He was thorough but also expedient.

Once he no longer looked like a piece of cave floor, he put his clothes inside the refilled bucket and quickly washed them before putting the wet Arisha Ikeburer back on. For good measure he then decided to roll over the edge and submerged himself entirely in the pool of water before quickly getting back out.

He was drenched by the time he was done and teeth chattering due to the cold; however, it was worth it to be clean again. He would have to air dry and was looking forward to being near a camp fire once they got back to the surface.

The bandages were all wet and he was also hoping they had enough left over dry ones to replace them. If not, he would just have to make due with them also air drying.