[ Thanks to Adra's swiftness and Allelujah's cautioning glances at anyone who draws too near, most of the remaining townspeople take the hint well enough. The road they find themselves on is tucked away on an incline, darkened by the height of the residential houses and the long shadows they cast. For a moment, Allelujah stands guard at the mouth of the alleyway, his shoulder pressed against the corner as he watches the citizens continue. A small group go by in a hurry, chattering all the while, and he instinctively angles himself back, silent.

His effort wouldn't be very effective if they were followed, after all.

But he seems satisfied that they're far enough out now, and sigh heaves out of him, exasperated. ]

I understand their gratitude, but this seems unnecessary... [ Frivolous, when ships still lay destroyed on the ocean, the beaches in tatters, his allies — ] I'm sorry, Adra.

[ He turns around, a measure of his intensity fading in favor of concern. ]

Are you all right? You didn't come straight from the beach, did you?