[ It is a little corny, even Eddie would admit to that, but sometimes that’s what does the job. He isn’t aware that River knows all about his jewelry-based deception, but he is well aware that sometimes it isn’t about the item, but the intent behind it. A small act of kindness can go a long way.

They can both be brave, and they can be brave together. The two of them will handle this with twisted nerves and shaking hands, but they’re gonna handle it all the same. ]

Well, my shoes and I both appreciate that.

[ He doesn’t laugh, not here, but he does smile and dip his head in a slightly less extravagant show of gratitude. He keeps an eye on her for a moment, just to make sure that she’s with him both physically and mentally as they finally step inside. No turning back now.

It’s a lot. His head swims, his stomach churns, and as he looks at the poor souls laid out in various states of…not necessarily decay, but…growth, he really just has to wonder yet again what the hell Steve and the others went through down there in the pit. ]

Alright. Well, uh…

[ He takes a deep, deep breath and steels himself as best he can. ]

They want us to sort them best to worst condition, and uh…the surgeon guy also said to speak up if we notice anything familiar, but I feel like that’s gonna be next to impossible. But be on the lookout for…anything, I guess?