Enter the Bastion

They make their way into the bastion without incident. Lavorra hangs her head low as though ****, face hidden by her hair, as Skrain and Zeya drag her under the arms between them. It’s actually something of a relief as her boots run over the rough ground - her legs are still a little weak.

Once inside, they can move a little more freely, but Skrain takes the lead, partly to guide them, partly to handle any quick explanations if they’re challenged.

The interior is dimly lit, save for more veins of purple energy, and the occasional spitting brazier. Walls of black stone feel claustrophobic and oppressive. Eventually, they reach a fork in the path, two great slab-doors ahead of them.

“The Fleshworks.” Skrain intones grimly, indicating the door to the left.

“And can I just say, so someone has: I do not like that name. Seriously.” Zeya pipes up. Her voice has a quaver, as the potion continues to wear off. Her skin is now back to its usual ruby hue, and she seems to be a few inches shorter.

Skrain leans against the wall, his head bowed. “I know. I… I did what I could. For the women. Brought them water. More food. It didn’t always work out well for me.” He indicates the broken horn on his head. “I’m not saying that to win your approval I just… We’re not all like the rest of them.”

“I know.” Lavorra nods, placing a hand on his chest. Beside her, Zeya gives him a gentle smile. “Are you with me now, though? I’ll need your help. Both of you. What’s through the other door?”

“Kulrakan.” He replies grimly. “He’s dangerous, Lavorra. Worse than any of the others. Bigger, tougher, blessed by our Gods with… other attributes. Even with the three of us, it might not be enough.”

“I have to face him.” Lavorra shakes her head, steely eyed. “He has Melira, my friend. I won’t abandon her, no matter what it means for me.”

Skrain shifts uncomfortably, and Zeya looks at the ground. “I’ll need you to help me. But I won’t ask you to face him with me.” She takes both of their hands, squeezing fondly. “We need to free the captured Spell-rangers first, and anyone else held down there. Once we do, the distraction should give me enough time to find Melira down there. You two get everyone out and make as much of a commotion as you can.”

Skrain begins to speak, but Lavorra holds up a hand. “No. Decision is made. This is what we’re doing.”

“I’m not leaving you down there alone.” Zeya frowns, arms folded over her transformed chest.

“One problem at a time.” Lavorra leans up on her toes, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Now come on, follow my lead.”

She heads towards the doors to the Fleshworks, leading the way. She glances, just for a moment, at the door to Kulrakan’s lair, where Melira must be waiting. Waiting a little longer, now.

Not for the first time, she wishes she had Razi at her side, wild and ready to rush into a fight - she wouldn’t have to make hard choices like this one.