Ariel resumed speaking after they had passed the scouts. She didn't take her eyes off the sphere until it trundled out of sight, though her fear gradually gave way to fascination. "You have Dwemer scholars amongst you," she deduced out loud. "Lycan Dwemer scholars, this is...and you can control them now? This is the first I've ever heard of anyone doing such a thing. Just what are you all up do down here?"

"Many things and more?" Janius commented.

Now that they were indoors, Rhazii was walking alongside Fendros. His stride was large enough to keep up with their easy pace, but Newt was still short enough that he was being carried. Rhazii was slightly shaken by Ariel's reaction. "Is aunty alright, dada?" He asked.

"Yes, it was just a shock, little one." Fendros cast a smile at Rhazii as they walked.

Ariel was not aware why they were walking onto a circular platform at an apparent dead-end. She eyed the lever in the centre. "Does that open a door?"

Whether anyone was going to answer or not, Sabine pulled the lever all the way back with series of clicking ratchets. The entire platform lurched below them, causing Ariel to jump and hold onto Rukeewei. The descent was slow enough that no one's balance was really challenged, but that didn't loosen Ariel's grip.

[hr]
Gallus stopped mid-swing when he heard Ri'vashi's voice. He didn't face her immediately, instead lowering his weapon, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. When he opened his eyes and faced her, Gallus wore a smile and spread his arms. "I suppose you've caught me red-handed then, Ri'vashi. How have you been?" Gallus lowered his hammer hand and placed his other fist on his hip. "Decided to start your own midnight training routine, have you?"