hot_mess_express

You enter the door to find yourselves in a wide arena with a stone spire towering in the center. Chained to the spire, connected to each other by their chains, are your hostages. For now they hang rather safely-- if not uncomfortably-- by their wrists. But it is obvious that will not be the case for long.

A moat of lava rests just beneath, circling wide around the spire. Notably you cannot quite tell if it circles all the way around… as high walls cut you off from seeing the other side(s) of the spire.

Resting at the top is the form of a massive beast; a dragon with fire red scales, its long tail curled lazily around the curve of the spire as it observes you and your comrades enter the arena. As the dragon speaks, its voice booms throughout the air.

“There is no doubt to be had of your courage. However, it is not your courage that is to be tested here. The fate of your treasured comrades lies in my claws, and I wish to teach you a lesson. Whether or not you choose to learn it is up to you.

Just remember: You cannot save everyone if you think only of yourself."

The dragon shifts then, the weight of the creature causing the spire to crumble further-- the falling debris disturbing the chains wrapped around the spire, the only thing holding your teammates safely above the molten lava below.

"Now tell me, brave warriors. What will you sacrifice to save another?”

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I can assist. I have already eaten this morning.

That's convenient. Could you do a spot on my back? I sort of want to have this somewhere hidden.

Yes, of course.

[ Pressing a finger to her back. ]

Does around here feel fine?

[thinking, mentally sorting through the cuts of the shirts she has back home...]

Yes, there should be fine.

I will keep it as small as I can.

[ It's a quick, sharp nick, and hey at least the cut will morph into a pretty kind of flower-tattoo. ]

[makes a good show of not flinching, twisting around to try and see over her shoulder]

Is it done? Is it bleeding a lot? I don't really want to stain this shirt...