It takes only an instant for the light created by Lathus to dispel the pressing darkness of the cave, revealing the bare black rock of the subterranean terrain where everyone finds themselves in a broad passage that quickly narrows.  A moments inspection reveals the reason for the size of the area - people had previously been working on broadening the tunnel; several supports have been placed and worked stone is evident, as well as the smoothing of the ground - quite likely a major fact that prevented everyone from suffering more harm from falling down here.<br/><br/><strong>@ hgb:</strong>As the stout Michael explores the collapsed section of the tunnel, it is evident that passage has been completely sealed by the collapse of the rock above - it will not be cleared without a colossal amount of effort on anyone's part, and will still require the ceiling to be braced or risk a further cave in.  However, another detail becomes apparent: even through the collapsed rock, Michael can feel an immense amount of heat seeming to emanate past the stone.<br/><br/>It is a sombre moment, of which Madoka's lamentation adds keen highlight to the point.  However come what may, they were now left to make their own futures away from the safety of the sanctuary which would never be around anymore to welcome them.<br/><br/>The weariness of their bodies incurred by their march, and further compounded by their bruised bodies and damaged psyches presents good reasons to set up camp and take their rest and the grounds here are as good a place as any to try and get uneasy sleep.  And yet they are now in the very caves, admittedly at the entrance way, that supposedly provide home to the<em>mi'raaks</em>that might constitute a threat to them.  More so over, at least for now, they have been cut off from the bounty of the forest and there is little in the way of food and supplies in these barren depths...