[ The latter it is then, but there's no much to complain about considering anything is better than remaining where they are. In theory, that is, given that the still rancid air doesn't exactly promise much about what's waiting for them below. Or Steve, specifically - the other man jumps out first and with that cleared Claude leans out as far as he dares. He misses Steve's descent but hears what sounds like a successful landing with the dim lighting not revealing much in the shadows below. ]

I'm assuming that you don't seem to be crying out in pain right now is a good thing?

[ That's as much optimism as Claude can muster, much as he does also actually mean that considering Steve getting more injured through this isn't something he wants to see happen. It turns out he was a bit premature in asking since he hears Steve's voice moments later which is enough for him to heave a sigh of relief to himself. All the better to lean out farther to peer at the vines Steve mentioned, before reaching for one only to discover - ]

Yeesh, these things have thorns. [ While yanking his hand back, though it's hard to say whether the burning in his palm is from the vine or whatever the slime is still coating his hands. ] I think I'll take my chances on jumping.

[ Which he does after extracting himself the rest of the way from their starting point and with the faith that he'll land somewhere seemingly as safe as Steve did, and the impact of the landing knocks him down to a crouch. Could be worse.

Like when he looks up at where it was they came from as he stands up, and immediately startles even before taking in the much wider view. ]

If there's two people in each of these...

[ Well. No point in finishing that sentence he lets trail off when what's unsaid is there's so many. ]