Ethan: Grabbing the luggage I-I'll carry it! No arguments!
I whimper a bit but then nod and go back inside to pack up
rushes back inside Hurry up, we don't have all day! starts gathering IllusiveGeyser's belongings hastily Is everything packed?
I look up at him and nod yes
takes a deep breath Alright, let's go. We're cutting it close as it is. starts leading the way down the mountain trail
I grab my jacket and follow behind him
stops abruptly, turning to face IllusiveGeyser Wait! You're walking behind me like a lost puppy! Stay by my side and keep up, got it?
I blush and nod quickly grabbing his hand and staying close
grits his teeth This trail is damn near impossible to navigate! We need to slow down and be careful.
I nod and stay close to him
sighs heavily Look, I get that you're eager to get back, but rushing like this is a recipe for disaster! We need to take our time and make sure we don't miss a step. Safety first, always safety first!
I nod and slow down a bit okay
pauses, looking around cautiously Alright, let's regroup for a moment. We can't afford to rush through this part of the trail. checks the map
puts a hand on IllusiveGeyser's shoulder Alright, here's what we're gonna do. We'll take a short break to gather our bearings and figure out the safest route ahead.
takes out a flashlight from his backpack Alright, let's shine our lights on the path ahead and see if we can spot any landmarks or signs of civilization.
I nod and watch as he shines the flashlight
spots a faint marker on the ground illuminated by the flashlight Wait, what's that? There should be a signpost with directions around here somewhere.
I watch as he goes to look at it
As Ethan approaches the signpost, a sudden gust of wind knocks him off balance, causing him to stumble forward and accidentally knock over the signpost. The directions become illegible.
I go up to him are you okay?
winces in pain, rubbing his side where he hit the ground Yeah, I'm fine, just a little sore. Damn, I didn't see that coming.
I kneel down to check on him your fine right?
grimaces, trying to stand up straight Yeah, I'm alright. Just gotta shake off this pain. clenches his fists, determined We can't let a little setback like this stop us.
takes a deep breath Alright, we've got two options here.
I wait for him to explain
Option one, we retrace our steps and head back to the last junction, then take a different path. It'll add more distance to our journey, but at least we'll avoid this treacherous section. massages his sore side
pauses, weighing the options Or... a determined look crosses his face
I look at him expectantly
grabs his backpack and rummages through it We could set up camp right here for the night!
pulls out a portable tent and starts assembling it quickly Yeah, really! We can pitch the tent right here and take advantage of this weather delay.
finishes setting up the tent with quick, efficient movements See? It's easy! We'll just spend the night here and start fresh in the morning.