---

She'd ventured through two of them at this point, having been met with various and unsettling situations and imagery that left her either speechless or concerned for her life.

Two caves.

It was early morning, and after her standard ritual of breakfast, a lap around the territory, and a solemn prayer to the Five, she found herself drawn once again to the eerie green glow of the unknown. Valeska stood at its foreboding entrance, squinting into the murky depths as she puzzled over whatever purpose these great caverns were meant to serve.

Houtu had protected her so far.

She must know.

Valeska huffed, steeled herself, and trotted inside for the final time.

In a matter of seconds, the walls of the cave had shifted entirely and the High Priestess found herself presented with a vast lake stretching nearly a mile across, showing no other way to the other side apart from swimming its length.

She frowned.

Fool me once, she said warily, Shame upon you. Fool me twice, shame upon me.

The water seemed to burble in response.

If I must.