Larksong Grotto fears

the grotto is treacherous ...or at least the descent into hell the grotto is. the ledges and outcroppings down are steep and there is a moment when dauntless reaches the middle in which he wonders if he could truly be called dauntless as he glimpses down and takes a shallow breath that hisses from between clenched teeth and presses himself against the rock face, leaning his weight against the cold, uneven and jagged stone for support. after a moment to recollect himself he deduces that the only plausible thing was to continue on down until he reaches the bottom and that was less because of courage and more-so because the thought of turning around and heading back up on the ledge he froze on terrified him more than continuing forward.

eventually, dauntless' paws touch solid ground and lets out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. logically, since he was in absolute hurry to ascend that treacherous path so soon after having cleared it — it would take time for his courage to recharge — he ventures forth into the grotto, curiosity piqued by the pool of water he sees through a break in the thick forest. he adjusts his course only to slow his pace and let out a low chuff of greeting, his steps growing increasingly cautious as dauntless sees the other on the opposite side of the pool.