[ Aether's used to having his tummy out even in the coldest of circumstances, but Wriothesley's arm feels pleasantly warm against his belly; he squirms very slightly, like a cat that's not used to the contact, before settling comfortably against the Duke's chest again. There's no need for Wriothesley to move. Aether seems to have made his peace with being hugged like a teddy bear. ]

After losing so many of their companions, Luther wants to turn back. But he's a servant who doesn't have the authority to make that kind of decision, and Eberhart encourages them all to keep going.

As they explore, a cave-in occurs... the tunnel collapses, cutting them off from Nick, who was carrying their food and supplies. [ His lips quirk a little bit as he adds: ] Because, of course, the nobleman wouldn't have done that themselves, right? Still, Luther thinks it's odd... he specifically warned Nick to check the structural integrity of the ruins before he went off anywhere on his own.

Eberhart isn't worried, though. He encourages them to keep going. And then, at the end of the road, when he's led them into the cellar of the ruins where they've been promised treasure...

[ Aether pauses, only briefly, to allow the howling gale from outside to finish its song outside their cave. ]

Eberhart draws his lance.