Round 863

The icy water released them both at last, and they broke the surface gasping for air. Merrin's arms were still wrapped around Varikka from her desperate tackle save, keeping the dwarf woman afloat despite the powerful current. Varrika coughed and sputtered, her face pale in the gloom of the underwater tunnel. "Merrin!" she choked out between breaths. "You saved me again." The halfling woman nodded, her teeth chattering from the cold. "We have to keep swimming," she said urgently. "I've got you." She kicked with her legs, trying to maintain some control over their descent as they were swept downstream by the fast-moving underground river. The stone walls vibrated ominously around them, The Guardian's relentless pursuit evident in every echoing roar. Varikka struggled beside her, her injured ankle making every movement a test of endurance. "Don't let go," she gasped, her free hand paddling frantically against the powerful current. Merrin nodded, her grip tightening around the dwarf woman's waist. They had to keep moving - The Guardian was gaining fast, and they needed solid ground before both of them drowned.