Round 991

Merrin lunged forward as Varikka vanished over the edge, the sound of her friend's scream echoing through the unstable tunnels. The halfling woman scrambled to the lip of the pit trap, her heart pounding in her chest as she peered down into the darkness below.

"Varikka!" Merrin shouted, her voice cracking with fear and urgency. She strained her eyes, searching for any sign of movement in the gloom. "Answer me! Are you hurt? Can you hear me?"

She heard a faint response, muffled and distant, and relief washed over her. At least Varikka was still alive. But how badly had she been injured? And what if the pit trap collapsed further, burying her friend beneath tons of rubble?

Merrin knew she needed to act quickly, but every option seemed fraught with danger. Climbing down into the pit meant risking her own life on unstable ground, while staying above meant abandoning Varikka to whatever fate awaited her in the darkness below.

She glanced back over her shoulder, half-expecting The Guardian to emerge from the shadows at any moment. They needed help - and fast. But who could they call upon in this cursed tower?