For all the pomp and circumstance of the official agreements between Marod, Lunise, and Meesei, the official presence of the delegates was surprisingly understated. Any attempt to look for a large legionary escort would be disappointed, instead resulting in spotting the four figures of Marod, Albus, Orphius, and Lunise standing next to their hitched horses in long, thick cloaks. The cloaks themselves were not likely meant to be a disguise, but the uniforms of the officials could only be seen when peeking at the right angle.

Orphius was the first to spot Meesei and Saras, likely by scent. He pointed them out to the others and Lunise appeared to confirm what she could see of Meesei. Marod wore his regular smile, Lunise her regular scowl. They did their best to keep their postures, but kept their hands under their armpits against the cold.

This time, Lunise was the first to speak as they approached. "You are not an easy Argonian to find, champion of Hircine." It was only in that brazen speaking of Meesei's title did it become apparent that there was no one else in the entire town, even after looking with a life detection spell. Lunise continued. "You have earned the title of the lengthiest quarry I have ever pursued. Wear it with the rest of your reputation."

Marod was considerably less sarcastic. "It is good to finally meet you after all this time, Meesei." He extended a hand.

It was hard to avoid Orphius' behaviour. He was fidgeting so much in Meesei's presence that he could hardly look her in the eye. He began to edge behind the stoic Albus as the others received her.

[hr]
Blackreach was just as difficult a place to tell time as the ruins near Bruma. When Fendros stirred and took a deep breath to wake from Ahnasha's activity, he did not know if it was the middle of the night or close to morning. By how tired he felt, he suspected the former was more likely. He turned on their bedroll, raised as it was on the concrete slab that Dwemer dwellings contained as 'beds,' and narrowed his eyes in concern at Ahnasha's back.

Ahnasha had experimented in the middle of the night before, but she looked particularly dishevelled and stressed this time. Working into the night did not help her frustration.

Without an immediate word, Fendros wiped his face, stood up from the bed, walked around behind Ahnasha, and bowed to slowly wrap his arms around her shoulders. He then kissed the side of her head and rested his chin on her shoulder, looking at the vial. "What are you doing up so late, my wife?" he asked in a consoling tone. "Is something wrong?"