It takes them most of an additonal week to work out a plan that sets them free, and then it's a long, hard journey, Ache heavy in their hearts, that draws them back toward the swamp. You're welcome to RP any or all of this week, either in this ORP thread or in separate threads in the RP subforum.
It had taken them so long to find the way out, long days spent searching, climbing and squeezing through narrowed spaces. All the while the ache had started gnawing at Illuminating’s belly, a strange new feeling that urged her to keep going. There was no returning home now. There was only the way forward and the promise of a new world.At least without the mist to muddle their senses, the task actually felt possible and so they continued until finally, finally, they found the way out. The first step towards home.
Just the thought of walking through the obelisk had made Illuminating’s skin crawl and bile rise in her throat, the shadowy grey world beyond where no sun lived. And that decision was made even more right in her mind, when they finally found their way, the cave entrance bathed in sunlight, a glimpse of trees and life beyond, the sound of birdsong and the brush of fresh air.
For the very first time, Illuminating left the cave and stepped blinking into the sun.
It was warm.
Just as she’d hoped.
Warm and comforting and all she’d never known she’d needed until now.
With a smile, Illuminating turned and looked back at the others.
“We did it,” she said in delight.
There was still a long way to go, a difficult journey was ahead. She didn’t mind. It just meant she would get to see even more of the world and experience hardship with companions by her side, like heroes in a story.
