[even with the length of time that has passed between them, Robin understands. the motions of their friendship come back to him with every new word and every fine silence that Tek creates. he understands, and he squeezes the dragon's hand to let him know that it's going to be okay.]

Mm, I suppose the bar has been set fairly low thus far, hasn't it? No matter...

[he tucks his pendant away as they enter a wider cave filled with more lights. there are a few people mulling around, but they already look like a more colorful bunch than those below. while not much better off financially, they seem to at least have a sense of life about them that the lowest level was definitely missing. Robin steers them away from traffic, back down another side corridor, and ultimately up to another flight of stairs.]

I'd engage in more small talk, but honestly... this isn't really the place or time.

[this staircase looks much more frequently traveled. the steps are smoother, the walls are wider, and the way is dotted with the occasional dim lantern. someone else passes by them with a dimly-glowing blue pendant, which the fungus responds to by glowing blue in kind.]

We can catch up when we finally get there.