Following the trail left in the beast's wake, Cteno takes those with more experience towards the inner city known as Inkwell. The destination isn't the city itself, but rather the bottom of the caverns in which the city is carved into. Buildings hang down from the ceiling much like they do in the more vibrant outdoors of the city of ink, but the floor is covered in sharp shiny thorns that look as if they're made of tar. The outer edges are bordered by tall cliffs and at the center there is a vast, onyx wetland of bubbling pitch-black puddles.
Light from torches, flashlights, lamps, and even candles are swallowed up by the air and cannot penetrate as far as one might expect. Everyone stays close together to have an easier time seeing as larger groupings of lights seem to dampen the odd effect. Another peculiar feature of this place is that despite the massive size of the main chamber, there is a distinct lack of sound. Voices do not echo and it is disturbingly silent as most sound is seemingly swallowed up by the darkness.
Cteno speaks the entire way there, however without a clear translator there are few that can understand them. Their stressed expressions the the only thing the others have to go off of, unintentionally causing some uneasiness from a large portion of the crowd.
Cteno
|
[To think this would happen today of all days. The day we must make a good first impression... He is truly terrible at this.]
|
Cteno
|
[Yet I am expected to do my job in such conditions. Truly unacceptable! All of this, unacceptable! We will deal with this at once! And yet I lack the help of Angea now, though it was necessary that she lead the other group, yes.]
|
Cteno
|
[Alright then, vistors. Listen to me and listen well. You are those that were reccomended as the most accomplished so I trust that you can handle yourself in more dangerous situations. However, I would not say that this is life or death... Simply a misunderstanding of sorts.]
|
Cteno
|
[This creature we're searching for is known as a Dalon, er... Well. Part of one. They are capable of causing quite a lot of havoc, as you have seen. However, I do ask that you find a way to stop its rampage without destroying it, yes. That should be acceptable, yes?]
|
There are many smaller branching paths dotting the sides of the cave that would likely be easy to get lost in. Cteno seems to instinctually know where to go and will take everyone down a particularly gooey tunnel. After only a few moments of walking, the kitbull freezes and makes a small gesture with their tail indicating that something is nearby.
Looking up, a long, serpentine creature can be seen gripping onto the wall. It's dark, sleek body blends in perfectly to the surroundings and appears significantly smaller than before, though still quite dangerous.
Each of its many eyes fixate on different members of the crowd, watching every movement carefully as it sits perfectly in an attempt to wait for the best moment to strike. As more adventurers step closer with lights in hand the animal recoils, slithering down from its resting place and nearly knocking the onlookers over in fright. The living shadow delves further into the maze of tunnels and corridors, prompting only the bravest to follow.