Sunday 13 October 2019

A tight squeeze

Uncharacteristically, Nitendae leads the way, as the party trace the rivulet back toward the surface.
The tunnel moves ever upward but at jarringly erratic widths and angles, forcing the elven rogue to secure pitons, trail ropes, find suitable handholds and mark the way. Occasionally, he delays their ascent as he’s forced to physically chisel away at rocky outcrops to allow passage to some of his bulkier companions.
The awkwardness of the tunnel, force him to scrabble and sometimes almost submerge himself in icy water but the little grey cat; Cogitari pads constantly at his side, purring encouragement like old times.
It’s odd that the link between them isn’t completely broken. When close, he can still feel traces of the bond they once shared. The cat still weirdly cares for him, despite its new allegiance to the sorceress; Sereena.
With skill, ropes, effort and luck, Nitendae guides them all to the surface and, as he emerges from a particularly tight tunnel, he’s grateful to finally see daylight.
Blinking in the brightness, Nitendae hauls himself out into its warming comfort and Cogitari rubs herself against him. Overcome with relief, the half-elf can’t resist scooping the little cat up and giving her a tight but affectionate hug.  

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