Round 56

The stone-skin creature's gaze darts between Silra and Sister Hale before fixing on the cleric. Its eyes seem to burn with an inner fire as its pupils constrict, drawing in the blue light emanating from Hale's symbol. The creature's mouth opens, revealing rows of jagged teeth, but instead of speaking, it emits a series of low, rumbling sounds that vibrate through the air like thunder. The scraping sound behind them grows louder still, and Silra's eyes flicker toward the corridor, her grip on her dagger tightening as she assesses the situation.

Sister Hale stood firm, her mace at the ready, but her voice remained steady despite the tension thrumming through her body. "We'll proceed with caution," she said, her words measured. The creature's gaze never wavered from hers, its eyes seeming to bore into her very soul. Silra watched, her teal eyes narrowing as she studied the creature's reaction to Hale's symbol – every line of its body screaming territorial warning even if it hadn't attacked yet.

The scraping sound grew closer, and Hale considered the possibility that this thing might actually be able to help if they approached it right. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. "We'll proceed," she said finally, her voice firm. The creature's gaze flicked between them once more before it turned its attention to the corridor behind them, its low rumbling sounds growing louder still as it moved forward.