Round 242

The air grew colder as they approached the shimmering pool, its surface beginning to ripple with an otherworldly energy. The water's magic surged, and a wave of distorted reality washed over them, making it difficult to discern what was real and what was not. The figure on the far shore raised its hand again, and the rocks on the ground began to rearrange themselves into a new pattern, spelling out a warning in bold letters: "Turn back now." Varrika's eyes narrowed as she studied the rocks, her scarred hands gripping her mace tightly. "These aren't just stones," she growled, more to herself than Merrin. "There's a pattern here—a warning maybe." She glanced at Merrin, her expression grim. "We need to figure this out before we do anything else. Who knows what kind of trap this could be?"