Submission (#7304) Approved

“This has got to be the stupidest idea ever.”

“Maybe. And yet you’re gonna do it.”

“Doubtful.”

“Because I’ll do it first.”

“Alois…”

The white elnin just grinned at the darker one, exposing his shiny white teeth, while his giant welkin tail swirled around his slender frame and he looked at Oberon, daring. Oberon returned the glare, not convinced by the slightest. 

They were both on a rocky cliffside up on a mountain range in the middle of Zevjia. In front of them laid a colorful array of fumaroles, geysers and various hot springs in a valley that stretched to the horizon. In the middle of it was a wooden path that meandered between the dangerous landscape, a safe haven for adventurous travelers.

“Come on! Just a bit more”

Oberon didn’t like it, but he was more nervous about leaving Alois by himself. Who knew what the older one would do being left to his own devices. Ever since the white elnin was free again, he was an absolute daredevil and downright maniac at times and Oberon had his paws full to slow his partner down.
//What is with him lately…//

They kept running and the surface of the mountain slowly shifted and it became clear that it was volcanic rock under their paws now. It was barren around them as far as they could see, but an eerie red-orange glow loomed in the distance. The dark landscape looked dramatic and kind of surreal. Oberon could see the hardened black magma that formed the floor; a surface rich of different textures and swirls frozen in time from molten flows long past.

The closer they got, the more on edge he was. The air was tinged with a faint scent of sulfur and steam vents punctuated the landscape, emitting wisps of white vapor that danced in the air before dissipating into the night sky. These vents reminded Oberon that there was indeed boiling magma churning underneath them and it reshaped the land with each eruption. It was getting warmer and the dark elnin was panting slightly. Soon enough rivers of lava disrupted the black void around them; the lava was darkened, but here and there its surface was torn and bright orange and red appeared, leaving no doubt that this was an active volcano area. 

Not much longer now and they would arrive at their destination.

. 

Under the shroud of night, the air was thick, and the tension between the elnins was gripping them both. Every once in a while the moon poked through the dark clouds, casting a silver glow onto them. Alois, Oberon, and their Pomus sat next to the volcano opening. Glowing red magma was spewing and spitting below them, embers floated through the darkness and the heat was ever present.

“You can’t be serious, Alois.”

“Oh come on, don’t be such a killjoy!”

Oberon raised an eyebrow. “Oh I’m sorry for wanting to step off this volcano alive.”

“Everything will be fine! Trust me. See that? The locals put the sturdy hanging bridge in place. And it's high enough up as well. They wouldn’t do that if it wasn’t safe.”

“You and I have very different definitions of the word ‘safe’, darling.”

“I’m aware. But my point still stands.”

Oberons Pomu waddled closer to the edge and inspected the volcano up close. It chirped nervously and an especially big lava bubble made it run back to Oberon, hiding its face in his fluffy tail. “See? Not Pomu approved.”, muttered the dark elnin and gently nudged his little friend and tried to calm him down. The Pomu shook its little head and grabbed his fur, as if it wanted to prevent the elnin from any stupid ideas.
//If only, little one…//
Alois Pomu hopped from his back, waddled over and hugged Oberons Pomu; and they both started chirping at each other, almost as if Alois’ Pomu tried to encourage Oberons little friend. Oberon watched them for a while; he just never grew tired of seeing them interact,... before Alois started to get up.
//Damn it, he really is serious about this…//

Alois white fur gleamed in the moonlight and he got closer to the volcano. His silhouette exuded confidence and defiance, and when he turned around to Oberon, his eyes were sharp and piercing right through Oberon.

“Watch me~”, he purred, daring Oberon to stop him. Sadly the dark elnin knew better. There was nothing he could say or do, so he remained silent. The Pomus quickly returned to the shadows when they sensed the impending start of this risky challenge.
Oberons eyes were fixed on the hanging bridge that stretched so precariously over the bubbling lava below and his heartbeat quickened when he saw that Alois jumped onto the bridge. The movements of his partner were deliberate; he took his time and placed each paw with precision. The heat from the lava below radiated upwards, but Alois remained unfazed and made his way forward, as the bridge slightly sank under his weight. His strong-minded nature and courage propelled him forward, each step taken with an air of nonchalance. He paused midway and casted a smug glance back at Oberon, who was gritting his teeth and watched this whole ordeal unfold with ears flat on his back.

The dark elnin could feel his throat close up and the air seemed to get thinner by the minute.
The anxiety was ever present, but he tried his best to control it. It wouldn’t do him any good once it was his turn. It didn't help that he wasn't very comfortable with heights either, and this bridge was high above the actual lava - which was good, because it was safer, but it meant more height for Oberon to worry about. 

Finally, with one last step, Alois reached the other side; unharmed and in high spirits. He jumped onto the rocky ground and spun around; and despite the distance Oberon could see the grin on the face of his partner and hear his cheers echoing through the night. 

“COME ON, FRAIDY CAT!” Alois shouted across the crater and Oberon scoffed.

Unfazed by Alois’ taunts, he stepped onto the hanging bridge as well. His approach was markedly different – where Alois was bold and brash, Oberon was calm and methodical. He felt the weaved ropes of the hanging bridge tighten under his paws and his claws dug into the fabric as he let out a deep breath and steadied himself. The small woven path in front of him seemed endless. Despite being an experienced adventurer and despite the railing on either side of the bridge, Oberon was hyper focused and determined.
With each step, the hanging bridge wavered slightly under his weight, but Oberon’s focus kept him balanced. Alois watched intently from the other side, his earlier attitude giving way to a quiet admiration for his partner. The wind, which had been a mere whisper so far, picked up slightly, causing the hanging bridge to sway gently. Oberon adjusted seamlessly, his body swaying in counterbalance, his tail flicking from side to side to keep his balance perfectly in place. His own heartbeat was like a drum in his chest, despite his best efforts Oberon was nervous as hell.

Every few steps, he paused momentarily, not out of hesitation, but to ensure his path remained true. His eyes, bright and intense, were fixed ahead, ignoring the hypnotic dance of the flames below. The lava beneath him tinted everything in a glowing red and orange and the elnin was slightly panting; it was getting warmer.
He wanted to get off this bridge as soon as possible but he couldn’t allow himself any haste. The lava below roared, sending occasional sparks into the night sky, making him flinch ever so slightly unintentionally. //Why did I do this-// He cursed Alois in his thoughts and regretted ever setting a paw into Zevjia.
With each passing moment, the other side of the chasm seemed to grow further away, even though Oberon knew that wasn’t true. He was almost there.

Just a little bit more.

His unwavering focus finally paid off as the hanging bridges’ end came within reach and Oberon let out a relieved sigh, but his body was still tense while he conquered the last few meters.

Suddenly Alois started to cheer, no longer holding back his anticipation and excitement.
“Come on! You’ve got this! Almost there!” The white elnin paced along the edge of the crater; his tail swirling around him in cloudy wisps and he smiled at his partner.
Oberon shot a quick glance at the older one before focusing on the hanging bridge again. His final steps were as deliberate as his first, ensuring no last-minute misstep would ruin his victory. And with one last careful stride, Oberon stepped off the bridge and onto solid ground again.
A wave of relief washed over him, and he finally returned a slightly strained smile to Alois. It was a good thing they were both such experienced adventurers or else this journey would've ended quite differently. 

“I knew you could do it! Hell yeah! Doesn’t it feel amazing?”

“Don’t ever make me do that again…” Oberon growled in a low voice and jumped away from the crater. Now that the tension was leaving his body he could feel how tired and exhausted he was and his legs started to shake slightly.

“What? Why? I told you; everything would be fine. I don’t know what the big deal is with you, you whiny baby.” Alois grinned and his eyes sparkled mischievously in the moonlight and he got closer, leaning in to kiss Oberon on the cheeks.

But Oberon narrowed his eyes and glared at him, his chest still rapidly rising and falling; and with a swift motion, Alois had a face full of tail fluff. 

“In your dreams, you bastard.”