[Elly crouches down with Merrill, one hand on the woman's shoulder, the other out and glowing faintly, radiating a strange heat. She tries to keep herself in front of both Merrill and Fei, the first line of defense if things go sour. There's a strange smirk on her face.]

So are you the boogeymon, then? I'm not afraid of you. Things that go bump in the night don't scare me at all.

[Perceiving no immediate threat, she stands. Power still radiates around her palm, but it calms slightly as she lowers her hand; ready to conjure at a moment's notice, but not immediately taxing.]

Fei, go ahead and take Merrill back. I'm going in further.