Water. An immediate advantage (he recalls, in passing, many a star-lit rainforest pond which quickly turned into a graveyard) It becomes even more immediate when the voice presents itself and he tenses, moves -- into the cavern, out of sight.

He wants to glance down the hallway -- but it would be pointless, that far ahead, that far into the darkness. Instead, Hei braces himself against the cavern wall and starts moving, as soundlessly as he can, along the circle perimeter.

Wind or hunger. Was she talking to him? About him? He strains to hear more over the muffled wet sounds of his movement.