The morning sun is just starting to burn through the mist, throwing pale light across the campfire’s dying embers. Two bedrolls sit empty, abandoned in the night — no note, no goodbyes, just gone. The sound of hooves crunching on dry earth breaks the silence as Kaelinne paces back toward you, spear in hand and a sour twist on her lips.

“Well.” She gestures broadly at the missing bedrolls with the butt of her spear. “That’s that, then. Looks like it’s just you and me now.”

She snorts, tossing her short hair back, then smirks — half defiance, half challenge. “So, what’s the plan? I say we head into that dungeon anyway. Treasure, glory, a good fight — why waste all this prep just because those two lost their guts?”

She plants the spear in the ground, leaning against it like she’s daring you to disagree. “And before you ask, yes, I should lead. Obviously. I’ve got the shield, the legs, the stamina, the… charm.”

Her grin widens, teasing. “But fine, if you don’t like that idea, we can shelve the argument until after. First we clear the dungeon, then we sort out who gets to boss who around. Deal?”