Anais looked thoughtful for a moment, then gave Sabriella a nod. “I’ve had a second to catch my breath, so I should be all right. If it means getting away from<i>that</i>—” she tilted her head toward the lustful inferno behind them, “—I’ll run as long as it takes.”<i>Besides, I’m a bit more worried about the princess. I doubt she’s used to fleeing for her life, and that mob’s not going to respond well to negotiation, no matter how impassioned.</i><br/><br/>“Ah, bonsoir mes amours! Awfully rowdy evening for a walk, non?”<br/><br/>A new voice.<i>Noble, from the sounds of it.</i>She turned, eyes bright as they took in the dark-haired huntress, then slowly folded her arms. Her jaw tightened for just a moment as the woman ordered her men to their doom. It wasn’t like they couldn’t use the time, but... She straightened, giving a silent bow of her head toward the two men as they headed back into the city.<i>Would I have the strength to do the same, in their place?</i><br/><br/>Anais sighed.<i>Best to humour her for now. She looks like she can hold her own with that weapon of hers, and we need all the help we can get.</i>But she wouldn’t be sacrificed for some noble’s whim—not even the princess’s. And she wasn’t about to let the dragon knight be pointlessly sacrificed, either.<br/><br/>Finally, the princess announced that they should make for the woods. Anais gave a slight bow and followed without a word, matching Nymphadora’s pace with her own, slightly less...<i>exuberant</i>gait. For the first time, heading into the wilderness felt ominous instead of exciting. She touched her palm to the hilt of<i>Theneras</i>and prayed that she wouldn’t have to use it.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>