The pulling of the lever caused the platform beneath them to rumble with the turning of gears within for a few seconds before the four gears attached to the tracks on the walls started to turn, pushing the lift downwards. It was encouraging, at least, that the lift did not immediately collapse upon being activated, and even better that it was taking them deeper into the ruin at a reasonable pace. Although, Kaleeth was practically shaking, and even Lorag looked uncomfortable as he kept his eyes firmly on the gears.

Aside from the ancient, working Dwemer mechanisms, anther detail that Meesei’s pack might find themselves surprised about was the fact that they had taken on another passenger. Without a single sound nor obvious motion, Saras had managed to step onto the lift unnoticed during the confusion as Sabin pulled the lever. His motivation for doing so was unknown, and he spoke not a word until Meesei noticed and addressed him.

“Saras, I ordered you to remain and prepare the soldiers to reinforce us.” Meesei scolded. 

Saras gave little in the way of an emotional reaction, and stood in an almost dignified manner with his hands behind his back. “Actually, if I may, you ordered Ri’vashi and Hjergir to stay behind. You made no mention of myself. Besides which, I have been studying these ruins since your first messenger. I would not wish to leave your pack in the dark while you wait on a lift.”

---

"Yeah..." Peiter said simply, though he let out a sigh. Conceptually, he understood that he could still be useful, even in his position. Over the past few months, his self-doubt, while it had not been entirely diminished, had been lessened. He had seen mages like Sabine perform feats that, with the right magical knowledge, Peiter could replicate with just as much ease. The fact that he still had years worth of studying ahead of him was daunting, but he knew it was a possibility. These were concepts he consciously understood, but that did not mean there were not still problems on his mind. 

"I just...I don't know. Really, I doubt anyone will question anything I do again. I guess they just don't expect me to do the same quality of work as them, so they just accept whatever I do and fix the problems themselves. I've seen it happen; seen people ignore mistakes that I make. They're probably just trying to be nice, I know, but it makes me feel awful." Peiter explained.