The swordfighting lesson went on for a good while longer. Unlike the crash course that Lorag gave Sabine for her trial, the time and space that she and Peiter had offered plenty of time for practice. It didn't take Sabine too long to get a hang of the footwork when it was the only thing she had to concentrate on, but she still faltered often when sparring. The practice and teachings helped to solidify Sabine's technique a little in the end, but she was nowhere near a competent fencer.

The lesson went on until the sun was painting the rain forest in orange speckles. It wasn't set, but it was getting dark due to the foliage. They might have put in some more time, but both of their techniques were sloppy at this point; they were exhausted. Sabine's mood was starting to dip into frustration. After another drill at a simple overhead cut, Sabine nodded her head forward and put up her hand.

"I do not think I can get this right, let's stop," Sabine said, before walking over to the fallen log and retrieving her waterskin. Once she put the wooden sword down, she sucked down the last of the water within her skin and half-lowered and half-fell into a seated position with her back to the log. With her droopy-eyed and frowning face, it was hard to tell whether she was feeling any enjoyment through the fatigue.

[hr]
At that, Gallus actually laughed lightly and shook his head. Irenya claimed that she was no bigot, but old habits die hard, especially with the long-lived. "Oh, please do not tell me that it's because she's an Argonian, is it?" Gallus said, "She earned her position like any champion. You're right, though," Gallus gestured to Irenya with one finger, "She's in charge. You don't have to like her to acknowledge that. Now..." Gallus moved on before Irenya could challenge his words. It didn't sound like tensions with Meesei were going to be a liability at this point, so long as Irenya was not lying. "Back to Fendros and Ahnasha..."

Gallus began to pace again, this time he pressed his hands flat together while he pondered. He turned to face Irenya and pointed the fingers of his pressed hands towards her, "It is perfectly fine to keep in touch with one's culture, but whether you think him a boy or not, he is still an adult, and a father to boot. He as an individual can be as traditional as he likes. I know that you are as well, else your beast spirit would be far less acceptable to you, I don't have to be a Dunmer to know that much. There are ways, I think, everyone can approach from level ground...But enough dancing about," Gallus weaved his fingers together and looked at Irenya with his head forward, "You know our mission. Do you know what I need from you to accomplish it?"