The Elixir

~Obstacle

Vieva edges in front of him. "No, I'll go. I'll get some light for Xara, and besides"-she smirks at Derald-"I want to see when he falls and crashes on his face."

"You wish," he retorts, but concedes all the same, stepping back.

Vieva comes to stand beside Xara. She gives her directions. "Jump, and I'll cushion your blow with the wind."

Vieva eyes the small sphere and wind in Xara's palms suspiciously. "And you will catch me?"

Xara scowls at Vieva. "Just jump."

Vieva smirks back at the others. "See you down."

She lets herself fall off the edge.

✡✡✡

Vieva's flaming hand gets smaller and smaller as Vieva free-falls down the safe. Xara maneuvers her wind to support Vieva, hopefully slowing her down. Though she wields her magic confidently, Xara has to fight to keep herself from picturing the what-if situations. And in her mental turmoil, the voices have broken through her barrier, with their unbearable cackles. Xara hones her attention on the feeling of her magic, ever-strong, coursing through her blood.

Eventually, they hear a dull thud. It's quiet, easy to miss, but they'd been looking for it.

Xara peers down the hole, anticipation and dread mounting with every second. Then, the sign she's been looking for. A burst of fire. Vieva had made it safely. Xara gives the three behind her a thumbs up, relaying Vieva's message. They all look relieved, and though she can't see her own face, Xara would imagine that she looks the same.

Next it's Owain, whom Xara gives even more cushioning to. Judging from the ooof Vieva had given when Owain landed, he had landed fine. Then it's Lysabel, who looks determined, but can't hide the fear written across her face. Smiling quickly at Xara, she hops down. At this point, Xara's arms start to hurt, and the strain has become obvious. Her veins have turned leaden and her knees wobble. Derald squeezes her shoulder sympathetically.

"We're almost there, Xara. I know you can do it."

She smiles weakly at him. "Don't worry about me. Go."

He jumps, arms outstretched. At this point, Xara moves woodenly, conjuring wind subconciously. Derald shouts from the bottom, surprised as he lands. Vieva yells, indignant and angry.

"WHY DOES EVERYONE KEEP FALLING ON ME?"

Xara rolls her neck slowly, releasing the tension in her neck. It's different supporting herself with her magic. When she pushes the wind in front of her, she knows exactly where to direct it. Now, she'll have to focus on the fall and cushioning her fall.

"XARA, IF YOU FALL ON ME, I SWEAR-" There's a muffled crush of voices as Xara lets herself fall. She whistles through the air, feeling the breeze cut across her skin. Vieva's fire illuminates the chamber, and Xara catches a glance at the floor. It comes closer and closer, preparing to swallow her. Xara braces with her forearms, letting the wind envelope her in a familiar hug.

Now.

She stops a foot above the floor, then allows her wind to dissipate. She drops in a crouch. Owain glares glumly.

"Why couldn't you do that for all of us?"

"Was my body not enough for you?" Vieva snaps at him, her fire flaring in tune with her temper.

With the assistance of the light, Xara can finally see the safe in its entirety. It's a dank chamber, with stark, mildering walls and a slick floor. Owain looks green as the moss as they meander deeper into the safe.