They make their way toward the entrance to the lower levels, where a large, rusted elevator awaits. A few other humans are gathered there, chatting excitedly, dressed in their best festival garb.
"This thing still works?" Barns asks, eyeing the lift warily.
"It'll probably hold," Skado smirks. "Unless it doesn't."
Barns narrows his eyes. "Not reassuring."
The operator—an old, one-eyed dwarf with a beer stein in one hand—waves them forward. "Get in or don't. I ain't got all night."
The dwarf WAS in fact scheduled to work the elevator all night.
Jennifer steps in first, unbothered, and Barns follows. Skado leans against the railing, and Clancy… somehow fits. Barely.
The doors creak shut, and with a lurch, the elevator begins to descend.
The air grows heavier, the sounds of distant, booming laughter and music vibrating through the walls. The scent of ale, roasted meat, and something distinctly dwarven fills Barns' nose.
