If it wasn't already wet. Ellyn decided to take it somewhat slowly--she was thin and wiry anyway, dexterity was something of a family trait. And while she knew they were on something of a time limit, some things just couldn't be rushed.

This was one of them.

She wrapped one end of the rope around her wrist, checking it to be sure it was all sound, and checking the hook to be sure it wasn't about to break or snap off the rope, either. Since it seemed good enough, Ellyn approached the well again, leaning over it, and letting the rope snake its way down.

Slowly, she played the game of "catch the handle with the hook". It was probably the most patient she'd been in years.