Round 685 Transcript

As Merrin edges along the narrow ledge, she strains to hear any sign of movement below. The noxious gas burns her throat, making it hard to breathe, but she pushes on, ignoring the pain. Suddenly, a faint creaking noise reaches her ears, and she freezes, her eyes scanning the darkness. She can't see anything, but she knows she's not alone. The Guardian is closing in. Merrin's foot slips on a patch of loose stone, causing her to stumble. She grabs onto the jagged edge of rock, her fingers digging into the cold stone as she struggles to regain her balance. As she regains her footing, she hears Varikka's voice, straining to be heard above the sound of falling rocks and debris. "Merrin, no! It's too dangerous, you'll fall! Wait, I have an idea... Can you throw me the rope?" Merrin looks down to see Varikka's pleading face, her ankle injured and unable to move. The Guardian's approach is getting closer, and Merrin must act fast if she wants to save Varikka. She looks around frantically, searching for any means of escape, but sees only the treacherous drop below.

I edge closer to the ledge's edge, peering down into the darkness below. "Varikka! I'm here!" My heart races as I try to gauge her distance. The noxious gas burns my throat, making it hard to breathe, but I push through the pain. I edge along the narrow ledge, testing each step before committing my weight. The sound of falling rocks and debris from the collapsed bridge fills my ears, and I shudder at the thought of Varikka being caught beneath the rubble. I have to get to her, but I know I can't afford to be careless. One wrong move could send me tumbling into the abyss as well. As I make my way along the ledge, I keep my eyes peeled for any sign of movement in the darkness below. The air is thick with the noxious gas, and I can feel my head starting to swim from the lack of oxygen. But I push on, ignoring the burning in my lungs. I have to find a way down to Varikka. And fast.

Varrika: Merrin! Listen to me, there's no time! I can't make it up to you on my own and we need to get out of here now before the Guardian reaches us both! Tie off the rope and throw it to me, it's our only chance! I know my ankle is bad but I have to try, we have to try! Just throw it as hard as you can!

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as I look down at Varikka's pleading face. I know she's right - we need to get out of here now before the Guardian reaches us both. But the thought of throwing the rope and risking her falling again makes my stomach churn. "Alright, alright," I mutter, reaching for the coil of rope at my side. "Just hold on, I'm going to throw it down to you." I take a step back from the ledge, coiling the rope in my hands as I prepare to throw it. "I just need to find something sturdy to tie it off to first." I scan the narrow ledge, looking for any cracks or crevices that might provide a stable anchor point.