[@Bleu Chess]

Stopping in her tracks, Lila eyed the gun warily. Such a tool was often used against her kind. Quick, deadly, and weldable by most anyone. At this distance there was little chance to avoid a hit. But the woman had no intention of getting shot, not while she could avoid a confrontation anyway. 

Holding her hands up where they could be seen there was a clear sense of fear. Partly because her life was in danger, but also her mission had likewise made a turn for the worse. All her efforts to be seen differently had vanished because of one encounter. How could she be so weak as to fall to her base instincts. While the standoff was only a few seconds in it felt like forever. The spider's mind raced trying to figure out what to do. Vaguely she remembered a child's voice telling her something. "[color=slateblue]I didn't mean to attack anyone. There was a force, a voice... I was compelled.[/color]" How could she explain this in a way that made sense. Surely she must have sounded desperate or crazy. 

It was then that she again remembered the ruby. Yes, the stone creatures had one too. Whatever it was must be what controlled their actions. It seemed now that she suffered the same fate. But who's or what's will was it that had such a strong hold. With her left hand she pointed to the ruby embedded in her palm. "[color=slateblue]This thing. I picked it from the pillar and it has stuck in my hand. There were runes that spread to my head and I lost control. Whatever it is caused me, and them, to attack.[/color]" She motioned to the statues which had simultaneously become peaceful.