Round 65

Merrin wades deeper into the churning water, the creature beneath the surface lunging again with its tentacles mere inches from her face. She barely avoids being dragged under, her crossbow bolt striking the water with a loud crackle and sending a shockwave through it that causes even more violent churning and foaming. Merrin quickly realizes she can't hold her position for much longer—the water is rising rapidly, now lapping at her waist and still climbing.

"Fuck!" she gasps, adrenaline surging as she scrambles onto the narrow ledge just in time to avoid being swept away by the powerful current. Her heart hammers in her chest as she takes in the terrifying scene before her—the dark, churning depths of the underground lake, the ominous creature lurking just beneath the surface, and the rising floodwater threatening to engulf them all.

"Varikka!" she shouts, her voice barely audible over the roar of the deluge. "Where are you?!" She scans the surface of the water frantically, searching for any sign of her friend who was pulled into the pit trap below. The waterspout that had trapped Varikka has subsided now, but there's no visible trace of her—just swirling darkness and the occasional glimpse of something large moving beneath the surface.

Merrin clings to the ledge with white-knuckled desperation, her wiry halfling frame trembling from the cold water and sheer terror. She knows she can't stay here much longer—the rising water will soon make this ledge impossible to hold onto. And every second that passes increases the danger to Varikka and the others.

She glances around frantically, trying to spot any potential escape routes or solutions to their predicament. Her eyes land on the newly revealed secret passage with its skeletal remains and glowing eyes—another unknown threat added to their ever-growing list. She knows she should investigate it further, but right now her primary concern is finding a way to help Varikka before it's too late.

"Halie!" she yells, hoping her spellcasting companion can hear her over the chaos. "We need your help! Varikka's been pulled under and I can't see her!"

The water rises another inch, lapping at Merrin's chin now as she clings desperately to the ledge. She knows time is running out—the entire structure is groaning ominously around them, rubble falling from above with increasing frequency. One wrong move could send her plummeting into the depths below, or trigger a catastrophic collapse that buries them all alive.

But even worse than the physical danger is the unknown horror lurking in these waters. What manner of creature has Varikka trapped beneath its tentacles? And what else might be stirring in response to their intrusion?

Merrin's fingers tighten around her crossbow, the cold metal a familiar comfort as she prepares for whatever may come next. She knows she can't stay here much longer—the rising water and unstable structure make it far too dangerous. But leaving Varikka behind is unthinkable.

She takes a deep breath, steeling herself for what must be done. "I'm coming for you, Varikka," she mutters under her breath, more determination than promise in her voice. "Just hold on..."