Lindarion summoned a flicker of his own fire just to balance the aesthetic.
The tunnel led deeper. It didn't widen. It didn't welcome. It just kept going with the grim persistence of a to-do list.
They walked in silence.
Not uncomfortable silence.
Just the kind where both parties were secretly waiting for the other to bring up whatever awkward thing they weren't discussing.
Which in this case was… most things.
Lindarion finally broke.
Sort of.
"So," he said. "Nice cave."
Lira didn't look over. "It's a cursed fissure, not a cave."
"Still nice."
She didn't answer.
He kicked a small rock just to hear something bounce.
The silence ate it.
They moved deeper.
The air pressed tighter now. Like something was waiting. Not in an aggressive way. Just that hovering curiosity that caves seemed to specialize in.
Lira slowed.
He almost bumped into her. Recovered just in time to save dignity and kneecaps.
