Round 877

Merrin's wiry frame trembles with exhaustion as she braces herself against Varikka's weight, her unsteady hands gripping the dwarf woman's armor straps. The sound of rushing water fills her ears, a constant reminder of their narrow escape from drowning moments ago. Every muscle in her body screams for rest, but the thought of being pulled back into that current sends fresh adrenaline coursing through her veins.

Varikka gasps as she puts pressure on her injured ankle again, her face contorting in pain. Elric moves swiftly to support her other side, his strong arms taking some of the dwarf's weight. Merrin can see the strain in his expression - they're both nearing their limits.

"We need to stop," Varikka pants, her voice barely audible over the roar of the water. "Just for a moment." Merrin nods, easing them both against the tunnel wall as Elric holds up his torch higher, casting eerie shadows across the damp stone around them. The fighter slumps against the rock face, her face pale and drawn.

"Let me see your ankle," Varikka says softly, kneeling beside the dwarf woman. She reaches out carefully, her fingers brushing against Varikka's calf before the dwarf flinches away with a sharp intake of breath. "I'm sorry," Elric murmurs, pulling back. "But we need to know how bad it is."

Merrin meets Elric's gaze over the top of...