Into the Depths: Investigating the Shimmering Shore Tunnels (Group 2)

Once Nimue’s eyes adjusted to the bleak lighting, she could see the three wolves better- a woman with bioluminescent fur, a large man with wings, and a crimson furred pup that was already larger than her. The nymph bit back a scoff. What a ragtag group to be stuck underground with. Clinging to the walls, she remains silent for the time being, watching the trio interact with each other- assessing them individually. Trying to decipher if any of them were a threat.

The woman seemed to know the pup- or, at least, knew of their sire. She’d never heard of the Praetor family, but this pup belonged to it. Did that information have any importance in this world? Was it a powerful family? Likely not, if Nimue had never heard of them. And the woman, she was Deluge from the Raiders- a pack name she’d heard in her travels, notorious for their raiding habits. And the winged man, was Mortis from Armada- a kingdom somewhere in the North, with ties to packs down in Auster- or so she’d been told.

Deluge seemed content with taking charge- she was practically barking orders, which earned a twitch of the nymph’s lips, as she fought back the urge to sneer. Find the edges of the tunnel. It wasn’t an absurd idea- but Nimue wasn’t the type to take orders or suggestions from others. Especially a stranger. Peering into the abyss, her amethyst gaze settles on Deluge, watching her bioluminescent silhouette inch forward, testing every step. Mortis’ voice drew her attention away from Deluge, because he was speaking to her. Offering her a ride on his back, if she got too tired. She found his offer offensive, and yet, it sent a shiver down her spine. The thought of straddling him while using his wings to keep herself upright. The feel of his spine rubbing against her belly. Her breath caught in her throat, a rush of heat blossoming across her face, forcing her to lean up against the cool, damp wall of the cavern.

“Careful what you offer, Mortis.” Her voice sounds like a lulling purr, tiny paws shuffling beneath her, as she slowly stalks toward the winged man. “I may ride you out of this hellhole.” Her eyes are locked on him with an unwavering focus, her heart starting to pound in her chest, at the mere thought of tasting this man in every way. “You may call me Nimue.” She says, ignoring the other two wolves. Screw the kid and the woman- maybe she and Mortis could take advantage of this unforeseen predicament.

But suddenly, the large male falters- his paw falling in one of the fissures, causing him to twist his ankle. Nimue stops, clinging to the cavern wall again, her senses becoming hyperaware of their surroundings. Shadows seemed to be dancing on the walls, twisting and shifting all around them- one in particular, forming around their feet. As if it was following them.

Suddenly, a palpable sense of danger shifted the atmosphere of the cavern. As if the walls were coming alive, pulsating with the wrath of a living creature. “Somethings not right.” Her voice cuts through the air, a low growl rumbling inside of her chest. Nimue wasn’t the type to get spooked- but something in the cavern brought out an unsettling mix of curiosity and apprehension, and it wasn't one of the wolves. It felt like something dangerous had just stepped into the abyss with them.

"Nimue Vasanti"