Round 37

Merrin's sharp eyes widen as she feels the ground shake beneath her feet. The air crackles with ancient power, and she can hear the distant sound of something... moving... deep within the earth. "Prison Guardian?" she mutters, more to herself than anyone else. "Great." She glances around quickly, taking in the scene: Halie demanding answers from Elric with her usual naive optimism; Varrika already in a fighting stance, mace ready to strike at anything that emerges; Seraphine clutching her tome like it's a lifeline. And then there's Jeane—her tall winged form flickering into visibility as she positions herself between them and the burst wall, ready to defend with whatever spectral powers she possesses. "Everyone stay calm," Merrin says, her voice barely hiding her own apprehension. "Let's think this through. Elric—what exactly is a Prison Guardian?"

Before the old man can answer, a fresh wave of magical energy pulses through the air, stronger than before. The ground rumbles again, more violently this time, and Merrin has to brace herself against a nearby tree trunk to keep her footing. "Shit," she mutters, feeling the vibrations travel up her arms. "Whatever it is, it's awake now."