Blessing

"You blasphemous wench!" 

Those were Lady Tsuji's first words as she escaped the spell-induced daze, her wits blurred as she thought she was still facing the enemy. 

Daylight struck her with a blinding sheen, forcing her to narrow her eyes while she inspected the surroundings. 

Before glimpsing Meilyr, she saw Icilia, Harpax, and Gessius, prompting her to brandish her pewter staff and flare her Mana. "Ando! I'll hold them off. Get the children and flee!" 

"Uh... phrasing, my Lady." Ando could barely focus, strained by the lack of rest and the stasis aftereffects. "Why are we running again?" 

"What do you mean, why are we running? Can't you see that murderous harlot standing right there—" Her voice gradually trailed as she realized Meilyr and Gal were also present, clearing away the fog in her mind. It didn't take long for her to connect the dots. 

"A surprising ally you've picked there," she mused.