Round 144 Transcript

As Merrin swings her mace at the creature's head again, she finally manages to strike its skull, but not before it releases Varikka from its grip. The young wizard stumbles forward, her eyes wild with exhaustion and pain, but she doesn't fall. The water level in the pit continues to rise, now lapping at her boots, threatening to sweep her away. The creature, now stunned, begins to thrash about, causing more debris to fall from the ceiling. A large boulder crashes down, barely missing Merrin, who takes cover behind a nearby pillar. Seraphine, meanwhile, struggles to her feet, her eyes fixed on Varikka, who is still wading through the knee-deep water. The young wizard knows she has to act fast to save her friend before the water reaches them. The sound of rushing water grows louder, and the air is filled with the acrid smell of wet earth and decay. A faint glow emanates from the depths of the lake, illuminating the dark waters and casting an eerie light on the skeletal remains scattered about. The Devourer of Light approaches, its presence hinted at by the growing sense of unease among the party members. Immediate pressure: Seraphine must decide what to do next to save Varikka, while Merrin tries to keep the creature from getting back to her friend.

Merrin | Rogue
By the gods, we're in trouble now. I watch as Varikka stumbles through the rising water, her movements slow and uncoordinated. Seraphine's trying to get to her feet, but she's moving like she's wading through molasses. And that creature - it's still thrashing about, even with a boulder-sized dent in its skull. I can see the glow from the depths of the lake getting brighter, pulsing like a heartbeat. The Devourer of Light... whatever that is, it's drawing near, and we're sitting ducks down here.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I have to do. "Varikka!" I call out, my voice echoing through the chamber. "Swim to me! I'll help you up!"

I wade out into the water, my boots sinking into the muddy bottom with each step. The water's already up to my knees, and it's getting deeper by the second. I can feel the current tugging at my legs, trying to pull me under. Don't lose your footing, Merrin, I think to myself, gritting my teeth as I fight against the water. I reach out a hand to Varikka, trying to keep my voice steady and reassuring even though my heart's pounding in my chest. "Come on, wizard," I say, forcing a grin onto my face. "Let's get you out of this mess before you turn into a mermaid."

Please let her take my hand, I think, watching as she struggles through the water towards me. Please let us both make it out of here alive.