Round 887 Transcript

As Elric clings to the jagged rock outcropping, the Guardian's roar grows louder still, causing the water to churn and foam around him. The faint glow from deeper in the river casts an eerie light on the turbulent water, making it hard for Elric to see or think clearly. Suddenly, a massive stone slab dislodges from the ceiling, crashing down onto the rock outcropping, mere inches from Elric's face. He grunts in shock as the slab sends him tumbling backward, his grip on the rock broken. The Guardian's roar reaches a deafening pitch as it pounds against the stone door behind it, causing the water to surge forward. Elric finds himself swept away by the current once more, this time heading toward a narrow ledge on the riverbank. He must act quickly to avoid being pulled over the edge again.

I fight against the grip on my ankle, my lungs burning as I'm dragged deeper into the dark depths of the river. The water is rushing past me, threatening to sweep me away at any moment. I can feel the current tugging at my limbs, trying to pull me under. My heart is pounding in my chest as I struggle against the water, my arms and legs thrashing wildly. But it's no use - the current is too strong, and I'm being pulled further and further away from the surface. I try to focus on the faint glow emanating from deeper in the river, hoping that it might be a sign of safety or rescue. But as I look closer, I realize that the light is coming from a strange, pulsing orb that seems to be floating just beneath the surface of the water. Suddenly, I feel a sharp pain in my side as something slams into me from below. I gasp in shock and pain, my eyes wide with fear as I realize that there is some kind of creature down here with me. I try to swim away, but the current is too strong, and I find myself being pulled deeper and deeper into the river. The water is getting colder and darker, and I can feel my strength fading with every passing moment. But I refuse to give up. I know that Varikka and Elric are counting on me, and I won't let them down. I take a deep breath and start to swim as hard as I can, praying that I'll be able to make it back to the surface before it's too late.

I struggle against the current, my heart pounding in my chest as I try to find my footing on the slippery riverbank. The water is rushing past me, threatening to sweep me away at any moment. I can feel my strength fading with every passing second, but I refuse to give up. Merrin and Elric are out there somewhere, and I won't let them down. I take a deep breath and start to climb up the jagged rocks, my hands and knees burning from the effort. The Guardian's roar echoes through the cavern, making it hard for me to think straight. But I know that I have to keep moving forward, no matter what. As I reach the top of the ledge, I look around frantically, searching for any sign of Merrin or Elric. The faint glow from deeper in the river catches my eye once again, and I wonder if it might be a clue to their whereabouts. I take a step forward, my ankle throbbing with pain, and suddenly feel the ground give way beneath my feet. I let out a cry of surprise as I tumble down into a hidden pit trap, landing hard on my back at the bottom. The impact knocks the wind out of me, and for a moment I lie there, gasping for air. As I struggle to my feet, I hear a familiar voice calling out from somewhere in the darkness. "Varikka! Are you alright?"

I strain my eyes, trying to see through the gloom, and catch a glimpse of Elric's face peering down at me from above. Relief floods through me as I realize that he's still alive. "I'm okay," I call back, my voice hoarse with pain and exhaustion. "But Merrin...we have to find her."

Elric nods grimly, his eyes scanning the pit trap for any signs of the rogue. "I know," he says softly. "But first, we need to get you out of there."