Round 686 Transcript

As Merrin coils the rope, a loud creaking sound echoes through the chamber, growing louder with each passing moment. The ground beneath her feet shudders, and the jagged edge of rock she's clinging to begins to sway ominously. The Guardian's approach is getting closer, and Merrin must act fast if she wants to save Varikka. "Wait, I have an idea," Varika's voice strains up from below, "Can you tie off the rope and throw it to me? It's our only chance!" Merrin's eyes scan the narrow ledge, searching for a sturdy anchor point. She spots a thin crack in the wall, partially hidden by a torch holder. It looks precarious, but it might just do. Merrin's hand tightens around the rope as she weighs her options. Tying off the rope here could save Varikka's life, but it also risks Merrin herself falling into the abyss. The Guardian is closing in, and time is running out...

I spot a crack in the wall, partially hidden by a torch holder. It looks precarious, but it might just do the trick. I coil the rope tightly in my hands, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. "Alright, Varikka, here goes!" I call down to her as I take a step back from the ledge. With all my strength, I hurl the rope over the edge, praying that it will reach her. As the rope sails through the air, I feel a sudden jolt of fear as I hear the sound of falling rocks and debris echoing up from below. "Varikka!" I cry out, my heart racing as I strain to see any sign of movement in the darkness. "Are you alright?" I hold my breath, waiting for her response, while simultaneously trying to find something sturdy to tie off the rope. But before Varikka can answer, a loud creaking sound fills the chamber, growing louder with each passing moment. The ground beneath my feet shudders, and the jagged edge of rock I'm clinging to begins to sway ominously. "What in the seven hells?" I mutter under my breath, my eyes darting around frantically as I try to make sense of what's happening. Suddenly, a dark shape emerges from the shadows, moving towards me with deliberate steps. It's the Guardian, its eyes glinting in the dim light as it fixes its gaze on me. "Oh shit," I whisper, my heart pounding in my chest as I realize that we're not alone. "Varikka, we've got company!" I call down to her, my voice trembling with fear. "Get ready to move, because we're about to have some unwelcome guests!"

Varrika: Merrin! I hear your voice but I can't see you in this darkness. The noxious gas is burning my eyes and I'm having trouble keeping my balance on this narrow ledge. I think I feel the rope, it's landed near me but I can't get to it with this ankle. I try to crawl towards where I think the rope might be, but every movement sends a searing pain through my leg. The sound of falling debris is getting louder and I know we don't have much time before the whole tunnel collapses on top of us. Merrin, please, if you can hear me, I need your help! Throw something else down here, anything to mark where that rope is so I can reach it. And Merrin...if this doesn't work, promise me you'll get out of here alive, even if it means leaving me behind. You're the only one who can make it out of this tower now, and we both know it.