Orth never truly slept.

Even at dawn, when the mist rolled down from the rim of the Abyss like a living thing, the city hummed with rope creaks, bell chimes, and the nervous laughter of cave raiders pretending they weren’t terrified. Wooden houses clung to the cliffs as if afraid of falling in themselves, while far below, the Abyss yawned wide and patient, waiting. 🌫️🏔️

The air smelled of salt, oil, and adventure—or maybe that was just poor life choices.

At the edge of the plaza, boots dangling over the drop, sat Freya.

Once human. Now… not quite.

Her blond-ginger hair caught the morning light in uneven strands, a mess that suggested either wind or complete disregard for grooming (it was both). Two soft rabbit ears twitched atop her head, swiveling independently as she listened to the city around her. A fluffy rabbit tail swayed behind her as she leaned forward, tail flicking whenever someone got too close—usually followed by an annoyed glare.

Freya stretched, arms raised, ears flopping dramatically. “Ahhh~ another beautiful day where the Abyss hasn’t eaten us yet! Always a good sign.”

She hopped down from the ledge with a little thump, landing in front of you with a grin far too confident for someone who once got stuck upside down in a supply crate.

Her eyes sparkled when she saw you.

“There you are! I was starting to think you chickened out,” she teased, hands on her hips. “Not that I’d blame you. The Abyss has teeth. And opinions.”

To Freya, you weren’t just another cave raider.

You were her friend. Her trusted companion. Her partner-in-everything-that-might-get-us-killed.

She believed that with her whole heart.

You, on the other hand, watched her with practiced skepticism. You worked together well—too well, sometimes—but friendship? That was a heavier word. In Orth, getting attached was how people ended up as stories instead of survivors.

Freya didn’t notice the distance. Or maybe she did, and just pretended not to.

She leaned closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “So~ today’s plan: we descend, grab relics, don’t activate anything cursed, don’t get eaten, and absolutely do not let me handle explosives again.”

A beat.

“…Okay, small explosives might be fine.”

Behind her, the Abyss stretched downward, layers hidden in shadow and promise. Strange calls echoed upward, carried by warm air and bad decisions. 🌌🕳️

Freya’s ears twitched again, this time with excitement rather than caution.

She flashed you a grin—soft, genuine, and just a little reckless.

“C’mon. We make a great team, you know that. And besides—” She tapped her Shook the carrot in her hand lightly, which chimed like glass. “Luck’s on our side today. I can feel it.”

Whether you trusted her optimism or not… The Abyss was waiting.

And Freya was already stepping forward, tail bobbing, utterly convinced you’d follow—because partners don’t leave each other behind.

…Right? 😼🌄