Majir smiled weakly as Voska approached. [i]"Nothing particularly dangerous or plant-like, if that is what you're asking."[/i] The mercenary said nonchalantly. Majir's ears fell slightly in disappointment. It wasn't like he particularly [b]wanted[/b] to see the larger specimens that the underground caves had to offer, yet at the same time he did. It wasn't a particularly large problem that he hadn't encountered anything yet. It probably would turn out to be beneficial in the end. He could save space in his pack for the trip back and collect more complete samples, not to mention fresher. He was sure however that any sight of the local fauna would be something to be avoided. Animals had never entertained his curiosity like a plant could. The odd silence propagated by the Marten was broken by her careful glance over her shoulder into the murky gloom of the tunnel behind her. [i]"Could be a dead end, actually."[/i] At those words Majir's ears drooped further. It was always bad news to hear that they had wasted their time up here. A quick glance over the evidence assured him that no official would doubt his judgement at the choice of this particular tunnel, he had taken everyone more experienced than himself's advice. The fact that that included everyone in the group was something that slightly bothered him. He was glad for the experience and lessons he was sure to learn of course, but the fact that he'd clearly gotten his position as group leader due to his connections to the guild and the fact that he was trustworthy in their eyes rubbed him slightly the wrong way. 

He hated the idea of having to tell the group to turn back. He supposed that was why the two of them had scouted ahead, yet he assumed it would put a slight damper on their excitement for the job. He had discussed the idea of a new protocol for guild parties heading into the twisting networks of caves some time before leaving. He'd suggested placing signs on the fully explored sections and perhaps a higher investment in map-making specialists. He was sure that re-discovering areas was not currently as much of a problem, but future explorers would no doubt thank their guild profusely. Not to mention that the other guilds and more loosely-defined groups were sure to pay top dollar if they thought that the maps could be of use. It seemed plain that he ought to investigate, just to be sure. Voska had only been gone for a short while after all, though his reckoning of time down here was still shaky. 

[i]"Unless you're feeling brave?"[/i] Majir looked up from around the Marten's belt where his eyes had fallen during his self-contemplation, his ears pricking up at the sound of hope. He wasn't sure he liked the look of that smile, but the opportunity to prove himself would no doubt be valuable to accept the groups trust. Majir listened with rapt attention to Voska as she outlined the terrain ahead. He liked the sound of artifacts, though he was not so keen on the idea of the creatures that could be lurking in the dark out there. 

[i]"Your call, boss."[/i] Majir's tail twitched slightly at the slight disrespect. He'd had continual problems with the hired help since he'd set off. He couldn't blame them really, he'd probably be a bit miffed if he was in their shoes. The problems with his lack of experience was the core reason for him volunteering to go scout ahead with Voska to begin with. Not to mention that he'd wanted to pick her brain on plants and general conditions down here again, though she'd quickly dispelled any thoughts of that. 

Majir caught the flickering glimpse of a shadow shifting out of the corner of his vision as Voska tossed the lantern between her paws. He dismissed it as a simple illusion of the light at first, yet after the second and third appearance of such shadows he began to pay more attention to the sides of the cave. He slowly lent out from his perch on the rock and looked beyond where the Maten stood towards the dark where she had appeared from. "Uh, Voska, what are those called?" 

Majir's mind automatically listed all the creatures mentioned in his botany book. There were only a few actually listed; very few explorers had ever seen any of the local animals actually eating the plant life in the wild. It was generally assumed that there were more herbivores out there, yet sparse evidence for their existence remained other than odd tracks around some of the more benign plant life or signs of damage on the larger plants in the caverns. Majir's first thought at the sight of the shadowy slug-like animals was to think of beetles. Such thoughts were quickly dispelled as he saw one move under the light of the lantern. 

Majir's golden fur fluffed up slightly at the sight of the moving mass of animals along the cave wall and he lifted himself up to his feet in one swift motion, ready to move if ordered.