With a racing heartbeat Elena came to a halt in her hopeless chase.  In the violent stream of water below, Kate and the now unconscious gnome was dragged off with the current. The young sorceress took in a much needed breath, a small sigh being let out immediately afterwards. In the distance, heavy and plated footsteps could be heard with an alarming rate. Still, Elena could only muster to mutter to herself; “What are you doing, Kate?” 

As she turned around, she was met with a fairly discouraging sight. Before her stood a band of steel-clad soldiers, almost resembling a pack of wolves trapping their prey. Each and everyone one of them had drawn their blades, holding them at the ready with a wary gaze. A single man stepped forward. He was a familiar face, with the usual sigil dotted across his armor. His eyes squinted, eyeing Elena in distrust. Redarion Benneth did not say a word, before the magi beat him to it. “They’re gone... I could not catch up.” 

With a heavy frown the veteran nodded. He discreetly leaned to the side, whispering to one of the guards. Elena’s pulse was still running wild as a dog chasing after a piece of meat. She repeated Kate’s words within her mind, over and over again. [i]It isn’t safe![/i]

The magi’s breath slowed down in realization, wetting her lips briefly. Surely they did not suspect her of being associated with whatever was going on? Elena’s gaze darted to the still drawn swords, causing her to gulp. Whilst panic began to overcome her, she kept a rather calm outward appearance. Something her time with the courts had taught her to. Quickly she collected herself, before speaking.

“I will head back. I do not wish to come between you and your work. Best leave you to it.” She nodded firmly and set off, to pass around the guards. One of them raised his sword, blocking her way as Benneth spoke again, his voice being ever so plain, but still so very haunting. “Please, Miss Locklins. There may be more of these culprits on the streets. Allow my men to escort you safely to the Tower.” His eyes were unyielding. It was anything but a suggestion. Elena could feel her stomach twisting and turning at those words, but alas she agreed. “As you say, Sir Benneth.” 

The walk back towards the Tower was occupied by silence. No one said a word, not even Sir Benneth. With every moment that passed, Elena became equally anxious. She was an apprentice and assistant to a respected mage of the court, which was probably the only thing keeping the soldiers from dragging her into a dungeon and interrogating her. Or perhaps Redarion truly wanted to escort her to safety, not for second doubting her loyalty to the crown?
That thought was discarded as quickly as it had entered her mind. No, all these events were all too convenient not to be connected. As each second passed by, her mind was endlessly debating with itself in a void within herself. There was an urge to chase after Trent; find him, as Kate had shouted for her to do. But unless Elena had the intentions of bringing him back to the dungeon, it would not reflect well on her position. But alas, if Redarion had already made up his mind, perhaps there was not much choice.

As they passed through the busy streets, one might spot a small puppy locked within a cage. It looked miserable; thin and coarse from hunger. The brown eyes stared at the passing group of soldiers, with the magi in the middle. For just a brief second, it felt as if Elena had eye contact with the creature. [i]Pitiful, aren’t we?[/i] She sighed to herself, feeling just as trapped as the poor creature.

The Tower stood high as ever, undisturbed by the events of the day. Sir Redarion came to a halt, turning around on his heels. He clasped his hands behind his back, with an enigmatic smile creeping forth on the lips of the elderly man. 
“I trust you’ll find your way to your quarters. However-“ He paused, opening a small pouch by his side. The man handed over a simple trinket of sorts, shaped as a flat hourglass, made in a transparent glass-material of sorts. “I would be most appreciative if the lady would carry this token. It is nothing but a relic of the God, to prevent harm from coming to you.” 

Though reluctant, Elena accepted the gift as the soldiers walked off. She was left dumbfounded there. Nothing? No offer to ‘guard’ her quarters or the likes? Perhaps she was not considered a possible threat after all? Or? 
Elena turned around, looking towards the direction of the guards. She wrinkled her nose, before stuffing the necklace into her pouch. Whatever reason there was to give it to her, she’d figure out eventually.

The woman stormed up through the tower. She knew what room she was headed towards, but her mind was clouded. Skipping swiftly up the stairs as a newborn mountain goat, Elena made her way through the home of the mages. In a leap of panic she knocked on the door, without even knowing how to begin. There was not anyone else she dared go to, even as little as they knew each other. Still, he seemed like a trustworthy person, at least on the outside. 

“Adair? Adair! Are you there? Hello?!” Elena waited outside the door, a face of panic in the place of which a rather calm expression would usually reside. Messy hair which used to be neat and orderly, it was obvious she was troubled. Even if she was not exactly sure why herself.