Grumbling silently to himself, Arethin followed Jadae through the shaft. He fit, all right, but it was a bit of a tight squeeze for his broad shoulders. Jadae's slender frame gave her no trouble getting through, but Arethin found himself twisting and turning occasionally.
"Do you see light yet?" Arethin grunted, prying himself free from a particularly narrow spot.
"Not yet," Jadae replied, sounding like she could stay in the ducts all day if she felt like it. Arethin hoped she didn't.
The air was steadily getting more and more humid, and the ducts were getting hot under Arethin's hands. Not hot enough to burn, but hot enough to be uncomfortable. "It's hot," he commented casually.
"Really?" Jadae said, laughing a little. "Thanks. I wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't told me."
"Jadae, ahead. It's the opening--there, turn right." Arethin nodded in the direction of the opening. Jadae crawled through, and Arethin followed. He tumbled out, and, dusting himself off, looked at Jadae. Her eyes were wide, and a smile was on her face.
"Would you believe it, Arethin? It's a smithy!" she exclaimed.
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"Oh, my god! I care so little, I almost passed out!" --Dr. Cox, "Scrubs"
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