The cloak that Alim had given her still wrapped around her, Anifaire left the inn she’d been staying at for the market just outside. This time, she stuck to the crowds, not wanting to have a repeat of before in an alleyway. The Altmer had just eaten lunch, and she was heading across to a book shop she had been familiar with while she attended the university, since it was in sight of the inn. 

Anifaire hopped up the steps and reached for the doorknob as she heard someone on the street let out a shout. She turned around, confused, and noticed the shocked mutterings of those around her. Shadows saturated the area. Following their gazes, her eyes landed on the massive, flying ship above. Seconds later, Dwemer automata began pouring out of the colossal creation, and the merchants and shoppers both began to flee the area, some rushing into their shops and others sprinting down the street towards their homes. Anifaire toppled backwards off the steps in astonishment, backing away more slowly than the others. A patrol of guards rushed past her, drawing swords and hurrying to meet to automations. 

[i]The expedition… Does this have anything to do with…?[/i] Barely able to believe her eyes, Anifaire finally got her legs working and abruptly bolted in the direction opposite the incoming forces, though they were moving at an astonishing pace. Taking a sharp left turn, Anifaire found herself on another street of shops, people fleeing and guards fighting all over the populated square. [i]Which way is Rhea’s house?[/i] she wondered. 

Out of nowhere, a Dwemer sphere rolled too close to her for comfort, and she jumped back out of the way as it spotted her. She raised her hands, her mind rushing to come up with a spell to cast but drawing a blank in fear, but instead, an armoured city guard stepped out from behind her and caught the creation’s thrust on his shield. 

“Run! Get inside, find somewhere safe!” he shouted at her as he engaged the sphere. Anifaire took a few steps back, wishing she could do something to help, but fear overpowered her and she ran. She rushed into a side alley, making it about halfway to the next street before another construct turned into the alleyway, blocking her way. 

As the construct was approaching, Anifaire looked around urgently for somewhere to hide. Above her, she noticed a balcony, on the lower side but not quite high enough to each. She clambered up onto some nearby crates, glancing backwards at the oncoming Dwemer creation which had yet to notice her, and gulped before jumping for the railing. Flying through the air for a few feet, her arms caught the railing and with an adrenaline fueled effort, she pulled herself onto the balcony. It was cramped, but she felt much safer above their line of sight. 

The Altmer lay down flat against the balcony floor, peeking over the edge to watch the unaware construct pass, wondering how she was supposed to get out of this mess.