Round 968

The ancient stone altar looms before them like a monolith, its surface covered in arcane symbols that seem to pulse with an inner light. Merrin's grip on Varrika's arm tightens as they both struggle to regain their footing on the unstable ground. The sound of rushing water grows louder, and a faint glow emanates from somewhere deeper within the chamber.

Varrika winces as she puts weight on her injured ankle, but her voice remains steady. "Merrin, we need to brace this altar before it collapses completely. Look around for anything we can use as support—crowbars, beams, anything solid."

Merrin's eyes dart around the chamber, taking in every detail with practiced efficiency despite her exhaustion. The stone floor is uneven and treacherous, with water pooling in several low spots. In the distance, she can hear the ominous sound of rushing water - they are close to one of the tower's many underground streams.

"Over there," Merrin says, pointing to a pile of debris near the chamber wall. "There might be something useful in that mess." She starts to move toward it, but stops mid-step as another section of the ceiling gives way with a loud crack. Chunks of stone come crashing down mere feet away from them.

Varrika grimaces at the sound. "Careful, Merrin. The whole place is coming down around our ears."

Merrin nods, her movements becoming even more cautious as she approaches the debris pile. She begins to sift through it with quick, efficient motions, her rogue's training evident in every careful movement.

Varrika watches her work, clutching her injured ankle and scanning the chamber for any other potential threats or escape routes. The Guardian remains perched above them, its single eye fixed on their position with unnerving intensity.

Suddenly, Merrin lets out a triumphant cry. "I found something!" She emerges from the debris pile holding a long, sturdy beam—clearly part of some ancient construction. "This might work to brace the altar."

Varrika nods approvingly. "Good thinking. Let's get it in place before this entire chamber becomes our grave." She starts to move toward the altar, but a sharp pain shoots through her ankle, and she has to catch herself against the wall.

Merrin is at her side instantly, offering support. "Easy there. Lean on me if you need to."

Varrika takes a deep breath, gritting her teeth against the pain. "I've got it. Let's just get this beam in place." Together, they maneuver the heavy beam into position against one side of the altar, bracing it against the wall.

As they work, Merrin notices something strange about the altar's surface. The arcane symbols seem to pulse with more intensity now, almost as if responding to their presence or actions.

Varrika catches her breath as they finish positioning the beam. "That should hold for now. But we can't stay here long—The Guardian is still watching us, and this place could come down any second."

Merrin nods in agreement, her eyes never leaving The Guardian's single, malevolent eye. "We need to find another way out of here. Fast."