The snake guards slithered away down the dark corridor, leaving Ren and Altair standing alone in front of the massive obsidian door that led into Syris' nest.
Ren stepped up to the imposing entrance. She raised her small fist and tried to knock politely, but the solid volcanic stone was incredibly hard, and her knuckles barely produced a dull, muffled thump.
She leaned her face close to the cold stone. "Syris?" Ren called out in a quiet, hesitant tone.
She was acutely aware that the Snake King was currently in a terrible, brooding mood, and the absolute last thing she wanted to do was upset him further by being loud and obnoxious. She waited a few seconds, but there was no answer. She wondered if he was already asleep.
[System: Host, snakes are not exactly known for their excellent hearing. Unless you plan on headbutting the door, you need to call a lot louder.]
Unfortunately, Altair did not share Ren's cautious, polite patience.
