Round 499

Varrika grits her teeth against the agony in her ankle as she hauls herself up the sheer stone face, fingers finding precarious holds. "Move your ass, Merrin!" she snarls downwards, her good hand gripping a jutting rock while her injured foot dangles uselessly. "The whole damn place is coming down!"

Merrin scrambles after her, her lighter frame allowing quicker progress but no less terror. "I'm trying!" she gasps, her fingers slipping on the wet stone before finding purchase again. "What did you expect me to do, levitate?" She reaches the crevice just as another section of ceiling collapses into the rising waters below with a massive splash.

Varrika pulls herself fully into the narrow space moments later, collapsing against the wall with ragged breaths. "Fuck," she mutters, sliding down to sit with her injured ankle extended. "That was too close." She looks up at Merrin, who's already scanning their new hiding spot for exits or dangers.* "Well? Is this any better than drowning?"