She shudders against him, nodding. "If only. It was never this bad, even when we first arrived...." There were horrific sights and sounds then, but they were someone else's trauma. As harsh as it sounds, that made it easier to deal with; now, it's all too personal.

Garahel finally comes into view, bounding up the stairs and barking urgently at them. Terrified mages in Circle robes flee in the opposite direction, one even running through the canine himself, the blood mages in hot pursuit. Strangled cries and the strong scent of blood are soon to follow.