Dro'cahi remained respectful and did not interrupt as Gallus was speaking, but wasted no time in giving his own response. "Dro'cahi is sure you have taken a detailed account of our resources, based on what he has read in this report. However, two months is a long siege to endure, and many of our people here are not equipped, physically or emotionally, for the challenges that would present. This one recognizes that it is very unlikely for an enemy force to arrive immediately after our warriors leave, but a siege is still a possibility. Provided, of course, that the enemy does not find a way to immediately break through into our stronghold."

As the topic was now focused on the stronghold's defenses, Ri'vashi could now speak well-within her element. "Dro'cahi, both Ri'vashi and her father before her saw to this stronghold's defenses. Every single stone lining the walls of our home has been checked for cracks and weaknesses. We know all of the thinnest points in the walls separating us from the outside, which are still more than adequately thick, and have reinforced them regardless. There are three separate points prepared along both the main entrance and escape tunnel that can be safely collapsed in the event of an attack, and with the scaffolding leading up to the top of the main chamber, we can have our warriors guarding from the top of a nearly insurmountable hill. Our stronghold was designed to be defended, and we have only improved it. For our enemy to have some knowledge of how to break through it that even we do not possess would be...unlikely. Ri'vashi would never want to deprive her home of the basic forces it needs to defend itself, but in this place, we do not need the majority of our soldiers to give an effective defense."

There was a hint of frustration in Dro'cahi's expression, but with a glance to Meesei, he maintained his composure. "This one has the utmost confidence in your military ability. Of that, there has never been any doubt, but is it not wise to plan for something to go wrong. Rather than assuming that our defenses will hold, would it not be better for us to leave more than we think we need here in case the unexpected comes to pass?"

Meanwhile, it was uncertain if Lorag was even paying attention to the debate going on around him. He was simply staring into his mug, silently and intensely. Any number of thoughts could have been passing through his mind, but it was almost certain that they all regarded Do'rhajul. 

---

"At once." Peiter answered, matching her grin. Although, he delayed carrying her out of the room in order to kiss her a few more times. Eventually, he ceased the more intimate contact with her once he actually carried her out into the hall. There was only one place in the ruin where one could actually swim, at its lower levels near the stronghold's source of water. It was a public place, of course, but was generally only crowded in the morning, or in the evening after most everyone had finished their duties for the day. From where they were, they did not have to cross through the main chamber to reach the water, so they did not have to pass through any large crowds. Even so, it was not a normal sight for one to be carrying someone through the halls, so they did garner a few looks from the people they passed. 

While the stronghold has access to more water than most other places in the desert short of Orcrest itself, the chamber they used for bathing and swimming was still not as extensive as other clans. The pools back in Bruma were much deeper and wider, and even the outpost the Senchal clan had been using had access to a larger river. Regardless, it served the same purpose. There were others who were swimming and bathing as well, so Peiter carried Sabine towards the least crowded side of the pool. There were two others that seemed to be relaxing near the edge on that side as well, but as they drew closer, Peiter realized that he recognized one of them. 

In the pool, La'khay and La'tahne were sitting side-by-side, much closer than Peiter would have expected. Even more strangely, La'khay had her arm over La'tahne's shoulder, much like he would do with Sabine. Just as Peiter had recognized her, La'khay of course recognized him and Sabine almost immediately. She smiled widely as she motioned towards them. "Aw, just look at that. How romantic you two are. This one insists you join us."