So long as the tunnel narrowed it was easy to stay on track, in spite of the echoes around him. His duller ears as a python made it easier to tune out the echoes, focusing instead on vibrations to let him know whether anything was approaching as he continued to test the air for scent or taste of Emmett's trail. The long snake did not move in an entirely straight line due to the debris on the floor, but he managed a reasonable facsimile of one, at least until he reached the branching tunnels. Sightless in the dark, he had to explore the perimeter of the room, poking his head briefly down each tunnel until he was sure he had counted them all. Three tunnels, three choices, and none of them smelled like Emmett...
But none of them smelled like ROUSes either, for which he was grateful.
For a moment longer he considered whether to go on or go back... but if he gave up now, he would have lost the entire day. Coiling himself, he set out to the left tunnel, the one he thought would lead him closer towards the tunnel the others had been excavating. Emmett? he called tentatively, reaching out uncertainly for a strange mind he barely knew.
And then, a moment later: Remi? How far away was he? Uncomfortable as he was reaching out to the alchemist's mind, discretion won over pride as he sought to make contact with the diggers, in case they had found something in his absence.
But none of them smelled like ROUSes either, for which he was grateful.
For a moment longer he considered whether to go on or go back... but if he gave up now, he would have lost the entire day. Coiling himself, he set out to the left tunnel, the one he thought would lead him closer towards the tunnel the others had been excavating. Emmett? he called tentatively, reaching out uncertainly for a strange mind he barely knew.
And then, a moment later: Remi? How far away was he? Uncomfortable as he was reaching out to the alchemist's mind, discretion won over pride as he sought to make contact with the diggers, in case they had found something in his absence.
