Nina looks to Ronan and nods towards the narrow passage. Ronan acknowledging her decision moves swiftly, his massive form parting the luminous fungi like a curtain. He emits a low rumble; a sound that seems to both reassure and urge haste. Nina, clutching the energy-emitting crystal tightly, follows closely behind, Rex whimpering at her heels. The passage is narrow, barely wide enough for Ronan to squeeze through, forcing Nina to hug the damp rock walls. The air grows heavy with the scent of damp earth and something else... something ancient and unsettling, like the forgotten breath of a slumbering god. The phosphorescent glow of the fungi fades, replaced by an oppressive darkness that feel almost tangible.
The tremors continue, but the sounds are muffled here, replaced by the rhythmic drip of water echoing in the confined space. As they move deeper into the passage, Nina notices faint markings on the walls, similar to the symbols she saw earlier, but smaller, more intricate. They seem to tell another story, a narrative of escape, of survival against overwhelming odds. The passage winds and turns, leading them deeper into the earth. After what feels like an eternity, the passage opens into a vast cavern, its scale breathtaking. The cavern is bathed in an ethereal light, emanating from countless glowing crystals embedded in ceiling.
In the center of the cavern, a massive pool of shimmering water reflects the crystalline light, its surface undisturbed. At the edge of the pool, Ronan stops, turning his head to look at Nina, making a soft, questioning sound. He gestures towards the pool, then points to a path leading further into the darkness beyond the pool. The air hums with a quiet energy, and a sense of unease settles over Nina. It feels different here; the oppressive weight of the prophecy seems to have lessened, replaced by something... ancient. Something watchful.
Before she can respond to Ronan's soft inquiry, a figure emerges from the shadows beyond the pool. Tall and slender, cloaked in darkness, the figure advances slowly, its face obscured by the deep hood. A low voice, raspy and ancient, echoes in the cavern. "You have disturbed the slumber of the old ones," it rasps. "What brings you to this forgotten place?"