False Veils

[a_mere_child]

Alyx is feeling a hell of a lot better than she did when they arrived yesterday, but she's still far from being completely at ease. Among other things, she's preoccupied with that sense of presence that flashed across her mind last night. It was Gordon, there's no doubt in her mind about that. But... but what? Is he alright? Where is he? Is

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[smelltheashes]

Windy Slope Cave is well-hidden even at the best of times, its primary entrance half concealed by a waterfall and tumbled rocks. Nevertheless, it's there, and its inhabitants make periodic forays out into the open- usually at hours when they stand the least likelihood of being discovered, should some patrol pass overhead.

This may be why a lone green-brown figure is waiting by the turn of the frozen stream when Alyx arrives. Or perhaps there is another reason. Difficult tosay.

[a_mere_child]

Alyx squints into the semi-darkness in front of her and silently curses her decision not to bring a flashlight. "Hello?" she calls, softly.

[smelltheashes]

"We are here," says a voice both alien and familiar at the same time. "Greetings to the Alyx Vance."

[a_mere_child]

"And to you," says Alyx, inclining her head in a rough approximation of the Vort's greeting gesture. "Is this where the cave entrance is?"