Meren was about to attempt to muscle the debris away from the door when the girl took action, using some sort of magic that he had never seen before to vaporize the wood that blocked the exit. He turned to her, expecting some sort of powerful stance or magical aura, but he only saw a girl who was holding her hands out, waiting for them to be taken.<br/><br/>"That... that was amazing." he said, eyes still wide in surprise. He had assumed that she was merely a young illusionist who could make herself invisible. She was waiting for him to take her hands, but he looked at her and shook his head.<br/><br/>"I need to keep both of my hands ready to cast spells. Odds are we are going to run into whoever is casting these spells." he said, the glowing aura of his hands now spreading up to his elbows. He watched as she faded into her surroundings, masking herself in an invisible "blanket" of sorts. She mentioned the marketplace, which was some five blocks away. Under any other circumstances he would have used his ice magic to fly out of the city, but he had a feeling he would be shot down within seconds. He nodded to her, signifying that he understood what she was saying.<br/><br/>"I know where the marketplace is. I'll lead the way; stay close behind me." he said, turning to leave the building before she gave any indication about whether or not she understood what he was saying midst the panic. When he emerged in the street, the scene was not very different than the inside of the tavern. The temperature around him lowered to nearly forty degrees Fahrenheit. Many older wizards knew who the "Blue Elf" was, and he hoped that the drop in temperature that would follow him as he walked the streets would scare off any attackers they might have otherwise encountered. He turned the first corner, where the thief he had let get away now lay slain.