Baneri cuts the Gardener a dry look, "Do you not remember our run-in with that Grue only a few minutes ago?! Are you mad? Here, you take the lantern and I'll take that book. I'm definitely not going in there."

The mage exchanges the items and gives a solid push on Elbo's back, goading him towards the dark ledge which he suggested.

Lucky for him, (hint, hint) the ledge wound up to be Grue-less. The ledge did not continue, however, as it was blocked by a tree growing straight from the rock face. Its roots hang low, dipping into the murky water far below. Long, plump purple blossoms drooped from an entanglement of branches. To the right, however, was a much more prominent feature of this ledge. It was a medium-sized wooden case, with a hinged door in the front. It looked similar to this:



"Ooh! Don't suppose you know how to work one of those?" said Dalboz sarcastically.




(Your move, Mister Malaku. ;)

Meanwhile, anyone else can choose to wander off and explore on their own. I make no guarantees to your safety, though. Remember, when you guys are separated -- you can't know what is happening from their P.O.V.)