Fendros took a breath in, ready to raise his voice at Lorag. [i]You're a pig-headed, over-tough, inconsiderate bastard, Lorag! You know that!?[/i] Fendros stopped short of saying as much. He realised that it would do no good to shout, and slowly closed his mouth. This was a sensitive topic, of course Lorag was going to get angry about it. Fendros slowly stood up. "I'll let you calm down," he said, without letting on that he was speaking to himself as well, then turned and headed back to Ahnasha and Rhazii. There was nothing more to say.

---

If Janius needed anything, it was perspective on his situation. The act of simply explaining to Meesei what was going on helped in part, but as Meesei patiently gave her response, Janius began to solve the puzzles in his mind with her take on it. It was what he needed to hear, not because of any comforting or reassurance, but because it helped him to understand his own situation much better. Even though Janius blankly looked out to the ocean while he listened, occasionally nodding, his gratitude for Meesei's words was without depth.

After Meesei was done, Janius sat silently for a long while. It was as if he had forgotten Meesei was even there until he turned his head to face her. He didn't feel as though he needed any more clarification from her, at least not right now. "Thank you, Meesei. You've been a great help. I will stay to think now."

---

Before long, Ariel and Sabine's back and forth about life in the city carried them past the gate and through the streets faster than they kept track of. Eventually they reached the turn-off to Ariel's shop and Ariel paused. "Um, Sabine, do you mind if we make a stop at the [i]Wamasu's Nest[/i]? Just for a moment?"

Sabine knew exactly why Ariel wanted to take such a detour. She nodded and gave her sister an encouraging smile.

The two took the road to the familiar inn to see the yellow of fire flickering faintly through the windows along with the muffled song of tavern chatter. Entering blasted them both with the smell of rich food, stale alcohol, and the now distinctly un-muffled version of the prior chatter. The difference to the interior as opposed to earlier that day was the addition of a number of patrons come to enjoy drinks and meals with friends. There were many Argonians and a hodgepodge of other races, but Ariel's eyes were looking for a particular Argonian in the crowd. She approached the bar with Sabine and tapped her fingers on the counter. Rukeewei would turn up eventually.