As commanded, the clan warriors on the dais started backing off. They gave sideways glances to each other with suspicion, and there was some small relief that the matter would be resolved in an isolated manner.

"I am disappointed that it has come to this." Najirra wheezed. He gathered up the energy to slowly rise from his seat. "Saraya, Vharei. Help me up, if you please. We must stand aside." Najirra's already extremely worried daughters were already at their father's side and wasted no time in helping him up and past the warriors lined around the dais. Vharei and Saraya both gave glances over their shoulders as they left, but Najirra's expression was defeated and grave.

Only once the Dais had cleared did Harriet's circle of warriors back off into a line behind Harriet. They kept their weapons out, but kept their points to the ground. The werewolf that had transformed sat on his haunches and looked on with a snarl.

Janius and Fendros acted similarly, giving uncertain glances to Meesei. She had to know what she was doing, but they couldn't shake the feeling of danger. Meesei's magic could not be used to such powerful direct effect like it normally could, and Harriet was clearly a seasoned and skilled fighter. "Be careful," Janius warned, "This may be desperate, but she's prepared."

Indeed, Harriet had no visible reaction to Meesei's retort. This was her last chance, and she faced it down with the resolve befitting an Orc warrior and werewolf alpha alike. Her sword was held forward in both hands. She took a few steps forward and sized Meesei up. Just because Harriet had protection from spells, it didn't mean that Meesei had tricks up her sleeve. Harriet kept Meesei on edge by pacing around just out of reach and flinching in the occasional feint. It wasn't clear whether she was still working out how to strike first, or waiting for Meesei to open the duel.

The atmosphere in the crowd was tense at first, but soon enough a few voices threw out encouragement to either side, or just goaded them. "Strike!" Shouted one man. Another, younger voice added to it, "Bring the traitor down!" The shouts were few and far between, but they were present. What sounded like a high voiced woman gave her encouragement as well, "Harriet the untouchable!" To that, almost all those in Harriet's pack's repeated in unison. [i]"Harriet the untouchable!"[/i]