Round 875

Elric's torch flickered as he held it high, casting dancing shadows across the damp stone walls of the tunnel. The sound of rushing water grew fainter behind them, a constant reminder that they had barely escaped with their lives. Merrin leaned against the cool rock face, her headache still throbbing in time with her heartbeat. But it was Varikka's labored breathing that truly concerned her - the fighter was pushing herself too hard, her ankle swelling visibly now. "We need to stop," Varrika gasped between ragged breaths. "Just for a moment." Merrin nodded, easing them both against the tunnel wall as Elric held up his torch higher, casting eerie shadows across the damp stone around them. The fighter slumped against the rock face, her face pale and drawn. "Let me see your ankle," Varikka said softly, kneeling beside the dwarf woman. She reached out carefully, her fingers brushing against Varikka's calf before the dwarf flinched away with a sharp intake of breath. "I'm sorry," Elric murmured, pulling back. "But we need to know how bad it is." Merrin met Elric's gaze over the top of Varikka's bowed head. They both knew what this meant - if that ankle was truly sprained or worse, their entire quest might be compromised.