At the rim, the blond elf plants one boot near the edge and throws out both arms like a tavern singer claiming the whole road. The basin yawns below, black and far, but his grin comes easier now.
The Blond Elf
Easy. That is all this climb is. Easy if you keep your feet and trust the path.
The Blond Elf
I have gone down here more times than I can count, and each time I come back with my skin on and my story bigger.
The Blond Elf
Watch the ledges, breathe low, and do not worship the drop. I take it one step, one handhold, one laugh at a time.
The Guide huffs a quiet, approving breath. Companion One eases their shoulders. Companion Two stops staring at the void and starts studying the winding track instead.
Huryol
Good. A steady mouth helps steady hands. If the basin tests us, we answer together.
Hhannvis stands with the others as their fear settles into readiness, the spear held loose but ready at his side.
The blond elf’s grin softens into something almost sincere, and for a moment the whole party just watches the path below, breathing together before the first step.