Round 925

The Time-Splitting Sword pulsed in Merrin's hands, its arcane energies visible as waves of light that rippled along the blade. She had managed to keep her footing on the slick stones, but every movement felt precarious. The sword's weight was familiar now, but the exhaustion pulling at her muscles made it feel heavier than usual. Across the chamber, Varikka was trapped against the wall, water already rising past her knees. Her injured ankle kept her from moving safely, and Merrin could see the frustration in her friend's expression even from this distance. "Varikka," she called out, trying to keep her voice steady despite the pounding headache that hadn't left her since the noxious gas exposure. "Hold on. I'm thinking."