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[b][color=#c9b6ff]✦ Alexander Orion ✦[/color][/b] [color=#8bbcff][i]— "Everything I do, I do for the Gods."[/i][/color]
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[color=#b6a6ff][b]Location:[/b][/color] North Ryke - Dungeon Entrance, Floor 1 | [color=#b6a6ff][b]Time:[/b][/color] Early Morning
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[i]When the corridor opened into the first great junction, he slowed and studied each of the three paths without speaking. The left narrowed too quickly. The center was broad and convenient, almost inviting. Too inviting. The right bore the clearest signs of use, scratches through dust, disturbed stone, the subtle evidence of traffic repeated often enough to leave a mark. It didn't seem human though, atleast not to him.[/i]

[i]That alone made it the most honest path. Surely something was down this path, whether it was treasure or a fight.[/i]

[i]As the others gave their thoughts, Aster listened. Silas preferred the right. Percival and Xian-Fu seemed of much the same mind. Talos as well. Astra's reasoning for the center was sensible from a formation standpoint, but the broad descending ramp ahead looked a little too easy for Aster's liking. Dungeons were rarely this kind without a reason.[/i]

[i]Silas stepped nearer then, offering his hand. Aster looked at it briefly before taking it in a firm, polite shake.[/i]

[color=#8bbcff]"Aster is fine. Good to meet you, Silas."[/color]

[i]At the mention of Taotie, his gaze shifted to the staff in his hand. He was quiet for a moment, listening.[/i]

[color=#8bbcff]"She says she'll tolerate a few questions, provided you don't make a habit of treating her like a museum piece."[/color]

[i]There was the faintest trace of amusement in his expression.[/i]

[color=#8bbcff]"So long as she's willing, I have no objection."[/color]

[i]He let his attention return to the junction ahead, passing the staff to Silas.[/i]

[color=#8bbcff]"I'm ok with the right path. Perfect balance of walkability and potential."[/color]

[i]His voice remained even and calm.[/i]

[color=#8bbcff]"If something is regularly using the right passage, then at least we know there's something there to find. Better to clear what's active on this floor before we start descending."[/color]

[i]He glanced briefly toward Astra as he spoke, calm and matter-of-fact rather than challenging.[/i]

[color=#8bbcff]"Your formation still works if we go that way. If the corridor tightens, we'll shorten the line and adjust, worst case we come back. You clearly have the mind of a soldier."[/color]

[i]With that said, Aster stepped into place near Silas and Percival, as previously discussed, keeping himself where he could cover him while still maintaining a clear view past the front line. His posture remained relaxed, though the way his eyes tracked the shadows ahead made it clear he was already working.[/i]

[color=#8bbcff]"Whenever we're ready."[/color]

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[center][color=#8bbcff]✦ @Proto ✦[/color][/center]