The very idea that Imp's presence was unnecessary received an adamant headshake. "Of course you're needed. He's your dad, and you mentioned going first." Putting aside that Fahl had been the one to drag family knowledge into this to begin with.

He left the mention of the collection of rotten food unaddressed, him too nonplussed by it to formulate an appropriate response. There'd been a few instances that he'd encountered such a disgusting thing, either caused by wastefulness on his part or stumbled upon while fishing. If the black, oozing rot weren't enough to induce retching, the smell would well compensate for that. To gather multiple examples of decomposition all in one place—it brought anticipatory tears to his eyes.

Though it might not be his place to question those likely wiser than him, what purpose did an offense to Gembound stomachs serve for his teacher's father? As a repellent for intruders? Perhaps he'd understand better there, as unappealing as that particular experience might be.

They would have to get started soon while the resolve to do so lingered. His summoned heat foreign to the cave of cold and crashing water, its influence dwindled with every passing second, and as it did, joints stiffened and scales darkened against the restored temperature. Unwilling to allow the warmth to fade away completely at their travel's beginning, another tug upon his magic returned it even greater than before, air shimmering from the power behind this second cast.

The stamp of a foot might have drawn less attention, the waterfall capable of drowning out many a noise, but Fahl attempted it anyway. "Let's get going," he declared. Tunnel to Cetus a different one from the one he'd returned from, his surroundings were then surveyed. It didn't take long, this a more often used passage for him, and when he located the entrance, another stomp echoed. "Come on."

Instructor deprived of sight, Fahl would dutifully lend his own and take the lead, hurried steps tempered by the fact someone followed.