Please, don't format it as quotes, but as general thoughts, otherwise I won't understand you, and you might change your mind due to external circumstances.)
I.e., instead of: "Let's go," said the mage, it would be better to write: "The mage went." Or am I misunderstanding?
-Yes, I think there should be fresh water somewhere, - the mage continued, peering into the darkness. Some time passed.