Oswall put his eyes forward and down. By the way his temples flexed it was apparent that he was clenching his jaw. "Let us hope, then, that no one is found in any case."

As for Meesei's answer, it may not have been the clear-cut result Vera wanted, but it seemed to make her shift. She slowly stood up straight and put her hands on her lap. After a quiet pause for taking a deep breath in and out, she stared at the table blankly.

"There is no reason to shut off other options, but..." Vera tilted her head. "This [i]is[/i] the best we have." She turned her head to Meesei again. "We will send the messenger and get scouts to assess this deep elf stronghold. Preparations can be made for moving while they explore."

[hr]
The control of information was tight from the council chambers. In order to keep everyone calm, not a whisper of the coming dangers and journey was told to the clan at this stage. The lieutenants had much work to do, though its purpose was unclear to all but them, Meesei's pack, and the few guards authorised in the council chambers.

After Mora's followers were released on the council's order, Meesei's pack was able to use the surrounding ignorance to return to relative normality. It would be temporary, but they took what they could get.

During the next few days, Fendros' thoughts became partly occupied with when -- if ever -- there would be an appropriate time to perform the wedding ceremony. Friends of he and Ahnasha gave comments on Ahnasha's new ring, so word spread about what they were planning to do. That just seemed to make it inescapable.

While trying to escape it for a short time, Fendros remembered something that he owed Ahnasha since Elsweyr. He sought her out after completing his rostered tasks for the day. Rhazii was still with the other children and the clan teachers, so they had a few moments.

Fendros lead Ahnasha by the hand to a storage room with a small chest hidden amongst the crates of linen. "No more keeping this a secret, Ahna," Fendros eventually explained. "I think you ought to see the letters Llarasa and me have exchanged."

Out of a belt pouch, Fendros pulled out a small brass key and held it out to Ahnasha.

[hr]
In the main chamber of the clanhome, a far less peaceful scene had just unfolded. A burly redguard man lay groaning on the floor with bruises all over and blood pouring from his nose. A shadow passed over him before he raised one hand and shouted out. "No, enough! You win, Kaleeth. Again."

Around them, there were some shouts of triumph, some laughter, and some disappointed sighs. A small gathering around the scene began shifting to exchange some coins amongst them according to bets.

One stepped forward with a waterskin. Janius held the vessel out for Kaleeth with a half-smile. "How'd that one feel, love? You've won quite a few fights today."