Ellis stood frozen, bladed staff held in front of her like a shield, as she stared at the two people in front of her. The woman's bright coat was like a shock of blood in the night, flowing around her.

_"Get back to your friends."_

Was that who those people had been? Ellis' friends? She didn't think that was the case, especially now since she'd more or less abandoned them to the Shadows. Plus, the night air stinging her as it brushed the gashes running across her back served as a reminder as to why _that_ might not be the wisest idea.

Apparently having the hooded man answer her questions was no longer an option. Oh, he knew her answers all right, but was apparently hostile enough to try and kill her on sight. But who was this new woman? She was dangerous enough to hold the man off, but at the very least didn't want to kill her. Ellis knew she needed allies here… and if the man wouldn't answer her questions, maybe the woman would.

The crash and clang of blades dancing off of each other snapped Ellis out of her own mind. Decision made, she dashed forward, bladed staff in hand. Dodging around the woman, Ellis jumped and landed her feet on the alley wall, and pushed off, her weapon's blade glinting in the neon light as she forced the staff between the man's sword and the woman. The collision reverberated up Ellis' arms and she gritted her teeth under the force of the man's strength. She glared up at him, shoved the sword away, and spun her staff above her head in preparation for her next move.