With her horse in semi-capable hands, Maria's off to venture through the keep. She meets a young man who she hasn't met before, though his manner of dress reminds her of one of her friends.
Once they're past the sitting room, the sight before them is very strange. It's like they're standing at the bottom of the ocean, only the waters are parted to allow a straight path forward. All manner of sea creatures swim within the water, along with something very large and with very sharp teeth.
Maria walks forward, amazed by the water, only to freeze in her tracks when she notices the beast. She holds out an arm to keep her companion from moving forward, then tentatively reaches for the rifle on her back.
"We'd better tread carefully here. You know any way to ward it off?"
Her new partner looks like someone who might know a magic trick or two.