[SE] The vines are lava!

Edmund casts a quick glance at the rest of the group and spots Sohalia's struggle. Yet before he can intervene, she proves his aid unnecessary. Refocusing on their path, the Ancient's face brightens as the vines begin to thin, "We're almost there!" With a few more blasts of fire, he sees the exit and rushes through. Spinning on his heel, Edmund prepares to help the others escape, fire ready to incinerate any vines that try to drag them back in. Splat remains at the exit, spinning around the gap that they've made to keep it open. The vines try to grab the darkling but the living shadow is far too slippery and nimble for them to trap. Edmund Reborn In Fire

The Ancient offers encouragement and Asra nods sharply. The second Edmund breaks free, Trouble sends the image to the Attuned. Glancing at Sohalia, Asra gestures for her to go first, "They've created a way out. Go, I shall watch your back." The young ones need to be secured before the griffin will allow herself the same sanctuary.

Trouble trills as he continues to send controlled blasts of fire at the vines as they reach out to try and grab the Ancient. The exit is secure, and he shall keep it as such. Asra feels a burst of pride for her young companion. He is growing well, and she couldn't be more pleased with his progress.

As she slashes at the vines, urging Sohalia forward, Asra soon sees the gap that Edmund has created. "Go!"

asra

Patience is a virtue

Sohalia

Sohalia had the distinct feeling that she was the weakest link.

She didn't like it. Not one bit.

Still, she smacked her staff this way and that, trying her best - and isn't that all we can ask, really? - and eventually, there was a shout that the way was clear. And as much as Soh hated to be the first through the gap, as though being that would prove her inadequacy, she turned and fled all the same. Better to live and fight another day, no?

But if anything happened to Edmund or Asra... she'd never forgive herself for her weakness.

Edmund stands at the entrance as Sohalia passes by, "Come on!" He calls out to Asra and the griffin isn't far behind as she breaks free beside him. They're out. Trouble returns to the shoulder of his bonded as the Ancient takes deep breaths. "Are either of you hurt?" Scanning the group for injuries, he's relieved to see only minor bruising and scrapes. Finally relaxing he gives them both a nod, "Thank you both. That was excellent teamwork." Making his way through the vines alone would have been far more difficult and he undoubtedly would have come out in worse condition. Turning to Sohalia as he finally catches his breath he smiles, "I suppose now we should head over to the crash site and meet up with the others." he's curious to see if there's anything odd about the place that might shed light on this experience. After thanking Asra once more, he leads the way to rendezvous with the guild. Wrapping up one adventure to start another. -{FIN} Edmund Reborn In Fire