[The more and more doors they find, the more grim everyone's chances begin to look. Blanche isn't affording herself a moment of panic--they're fine for now, but they're not going to be if they meander. Pressing forward, they find their way to a stairwell, and just from Alaric's tone, she can tell the situation is grim.]

That may be our best bet. Going upstairs is bound to waste time that we don't have; let us take our chances closer to the ground.

[...]

Besides, it's not as if I've been sitting on my duff and eating bonbons since taking the throne. [how can you joke about your mom at a time like this???] I should be light enough to carry down. Just be careful.

[Blanche can heal him if necessary, but that's just going to eat more time than they have. Either way, she's ready to get picked up--lead the way, good friend.]