Sunspire Mountains the marauder's map

Junior accepted Saēna's explanation as gospel truth. She didn't question the physics of it, simply marveling at the natural wonder of it. The only thing she did question was the source of light. It appeared to be filtering down from the spiky ceiling, yet Junior couldn't see any holes. For that matter, she didn't see a way out, either...

For now, she didn't worry about it... or the fact that, if they didn't find an exit, they would be stuck and perish here under the mountains. Instead, she began to creep forward toward the water's edge. She sniffed. It smelled like earth and minerals. Although she didn't taste it, she stuck a paw in it. It was slightly warmer than she expected. She shook off her paw and looked over at Saēna.

"I bet not. I don't think the adults would fit through that hole," she said, eyeing the doorway. "It can be our top secret hideout! We could tell Ty and Pura about it if we want." She grinned at Saēna, then turned back toward the water, pausing only a second or two before hopping into the small, sunken lake.

The two young explorers enjoyed their new, secret playground for a couple of hours before Saēna suggested they try to find a way out before it got too late (although it was difficult to tell time down here, the strange light was starting to fade). Fortunately for them, there was an exit, which led them on another trek through dark subterranean tunnels. It eventually deposited them in a strange cleft between several craggy spires. It took all of Junior's smarts as an aspiring Outrider to orient themselves and find their way back to the plateau. It was nearly nightfall when they finally came home, though nobody seemed to have noticed their absence.

Junior exchanged a conspiratorial glance with Saēna. Most adventures she liked to share with her family, as part of her apprenticeship. This particular discovery would stay a secret between sisters.