A swooshing sound reached Aralim's ears, and he found the ground disappear from under his feet. With a terrified yelp, he was about to stumble down the hill when a firm hand grasped his wrist, pulling him back.
Sorath pulled his young friend to the top of the hill they were climbing. Aralim, breathing heavily, nodded his thanks. He spent a few seconds calming down, then joined Naomi on the hill's other side.
The lantern was glowing near her feet as she read the map, planning their route. Below, the past expeditioners used the glowing stones to mark different paths, leading to other crossings.
"We should take the right path. That's the fastest way to the center." Said Naomi while pointing into the darkness.
Aralim stepped beside her, his chest brushing against the teenage girl's elbow as he analyzed the map. Naomi leaned the tiniest bit closer, so her friend could get a better view... no other reason...
