Knowing she has no time, Alalla jumps up to the ledge of hardened mass above just as her footing gives way. Her hand slaps down onto the ledge and her fingers scramble to find purchase, while her other hand twists about to wrap the rope connecting her to Zenithral and Halla more securely around her wrist.
And that’s all she has time for, as Zenithral and Halla start to fall.
For a moment, Alalla feels like she might be torn in half. But her corded muscles bulge as the dragon heart beating in her chest fills her body with adrenaline. But her hand on the ledge begins to slip… and then the strain lets up as Zenithral’s quick spell comes into effect. At the same time, Halla transforms back into her human self, arms held tightly around Zenithral.
And none too soon, as the fleshy maw falls down to engulf them. They pass through the middle of the mouth, narrowly avoiding the jagged teeth around its edge, and a few moments later hear a *whumph* as the mouth hits the floor below.
Hanging inside the slack tentacle-throat, Alalla by one hand and the other two by the rope, the companions can only wonder what their fate might have been had they reacted any slower. Even in its sleep, Ityak-Ortheel is a deadly threat to navigate.
With the droning much lessened by the thick throat around them, the three find it easier to communicate. Alalla exhales, then trembles as she raises her lower hand (and the two people hanging from it a dozen feet below) up to also grab the ledge above. Then with herculean effort, she heaves herself, plate armor and all, up and over the lip of the edge. From there, with secure footing and two free hands to work with, she easily helps Zenithral and Halla make the climb up to join her.
As the trio catches their breath, they find themselves in the innards of the Beast. Thick, warm mucus coats the walls here, and the way ahead looks cramped enough that the heroes will likely have to crawl to continue with their quest.