Knowing that the secret was out, Julan nevertheless remained silent. He knew that his parents were going to learn the truth, he just had to hope that visit itself would convince his parents that they had done the right thing. If not, Julan had already been thinking of some excuses and arguments. For instance, they never would have learned about Aurana, and they never would have had the opportunity to help her.

Kaleeth raised her brow with Herald's recognition of the children, but she did not give too much of an obvious reaction. It was clear that Janius' suspicions about them the previous day had been correct. Regardless, that was not something they were going to be able to deal with until after they finished their business with Aurana and the rest of Janius' family.

With how friendly Harald was being, it was difficult for Kaleeth not to smile. "My name is Kaleeth. I'm...well, you would say I am Janius' wife." She answered. It was true that they had never been through any kind of wedding ceremony, but she knew enough of Imperial culture by now to know that it would make everything much easier to refer to herself by that title. Practically speaking, it was hardly different than the truth.

---

Meesei gladly stepped forward to shake Pircalmo's hand. His first impression was a polite one, which was refreshing in comparison to what she might have expected. Still, Lunise had given her something of a warning about meeting him, and she would not be surprised if she experienced its meaning before the end of their visit.

"Greetings, and it is a pleasure to meet you as well. In my current work, it is somewhat rare for me to meet another with whom I share a scholarly interest. The practice of Restoration demands an acute knowledge of the physical and magical nature of the body. Many different bodies, when considering all of the Tamrielic races." Meesei responded. Being that they were in an educational institution, and Pircalmo himself was a scholar, Meesei felt that it would make her more easily relocatable to him if she presented herself as a scholarly individual as well. However, since this visit was about Lunise, and not her, she did not want to do anything to capture Pircalmo's attention for too long. Lunise needed the time to visit her father. Although, she had to admit some genuine curiosity in his work. Just looking around at his workspace, she could see that he likely had a great deal of knowledge on Tamriel's living creatures.

Harald took a handkerchief out of his pocket and dabbed at his cheeks to dry them. "Wonderful to meet you, Kaleeth. Please, all of you come in. Remus and Aeramina will want to meet you." He turned around and took a step.

"Harald, wait a moment." Janius raised a hand.

Harald stopped and turned his head, eyebrows raised curiously.

"We wish to see Aurana first. In private, if you would. We need to speak to her before mother and father know I'm here."

"So you have learned of your new sister." Harald raised a thin smile. "I should expect you want to see her. Right this way."

Harald lead them inside without any further question. He neither knew why they wanted to see Aurana privately, nor why he wanted his parents to remain unaware. Janius knew that he was never one to ask too many questions. Harald had related to Janius in his childhood that such things were overstepping his duty as a butler.

The group was lead up the stairs and quietly through a portrait-lined hallway. There were pictures of more of the Aetius clan here in all different ages and dress. Some even wore armour. They all had their family similarities. There were pictures of Janius as well, though hard to recognise. One was him as a young boy and another depicted him in his Fighters Guild armour as a young man. Both cases had his face clean shaven.

They eventually came to a door that Harald gently knocked upon. "My lady Aurana, you have important visitors."

There was silence at first. Then there were fast footfalls. The door opened to Aurana, this time in a plain grey casual dress. She saw Janius, gasped, and charged him with a hug. Janius grinned and returned it. Everyone else got the same treatment. "I knew you'd arrive, I knew it!" She whispered. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Aurana pulled back and beckoned them into her room. "Quickly, be quiet, though. Mother and father could be back at any moment. They're out visiting a friend."

Janius looked to the others with slightly less of a smile before following Aurana in. Harald entered last, stepping first over to pull a cord that rang a bell faintly on the other side of the house, and then standing vigil by the door.

---

"Ah, a restorer. A noble field if there ever was one," Pircalmo continued. "But the hows are documented very well. What fascinated me was searching for the whys. While I could not contact the Hist myself, I found the design of your people so intricate that studying the purposes had taken me longer than the lifetime of some of my live subjects! For instance, did you know that the reason why you have three chambers in your heart is to do with your inheritance of-"

"Father," Lunise interrupted. "Please. You're being overbearing."

Pircalmo paused and shrank with realisation, breathing out. "Correct. Correct again, Lunise, I do apologise." He returned to Meesei. "And to you, I apologise. It is just rare that I meet anyone who appreciates my work on lesser races." He turned to walk towards a trough on the other side of the room. "I was nearly expelled for releasing an article on how Bretons can be conditioned to equal elven magical prowess. Under the right conditions, of course. Hmf."

Lunise crossed her arms. "Yes, hardly anyone forgets that, father."

"Meesei may not know. She might be interested." Pircalmo picked up a kettle from next to the trough and turned to look at Lunise. "At any rate, I suppose I should ask if there was anything you came by for?"

Lunise's smile faded. Her eyes blinked down. "Nothing, really. I...just wanted to see you again."

Pircalmo's lips thinned. He looked on with a pause. "...I see." He breathed a single laugh from his nose. "You don't normally just come to visit. It's nice to see you all the same. I'll make us some tea." He placed the kettle under a pump over the trough and drew some water. The college was luxurious to have water straight to one's office. "Please, have a seat."

Lunise quietly walked over to the table and sat down with her hands in her lap. She looked at Meesei and nodded for her to sit as well.

The group shuffled into Aurana's room one at a time. Fortunately, the Aetius manor was a large enough place that the room was not too small to accommodate them all. After Harald closed the door behind them, there was a brief silence, though it was broken quickly by Julan. "We said we'd come help, didn't we? Father has an idea for something that might work, hopefully."

Kaleeth was much less upbeat than Julan, though she had to smile when she saw Aurana's reaction. The girl looked genuinely hopeful about what they could do for her, and Kaleeth hoped that they would not end up disappointing her. She turned her head to Janius, not quite whispering, but speaking quietly. "Do you want to explain everything?"

---

There was no mistaking that Pircalmo was a more...traditional Altmer. Regardless, Meesei took her seat at the table as well at the chair beside Lunise. Pircalmo was not incorrect when he said that Meesei could be interested in his work, though she had interest for several different reasons. Meesei was, of course, always willing to learn more about the world. Even a biased source could provide useful information. However, she did not quite know how to feel about Pircalmo's experimentation, based on the information she had. It was perfectly possible for a live subject to be a volunteer. The proper application of restoration, or even other magical and nonmagical methods, could be used to effectively examine a body. Meesei herself had done so many times during her practice and training. It was also possible for one to be far more cruel, and Meesei did not yet have any way of knowing in what way Pircalmo operated.

While they were waiting for their tea, Meesei wanted to take care not to draw too much attention to herself and distract from Lunise. Based on Meesei's impressions of Pircalmo so far, that would be quite easy to do if she started to talk about his work. Perhaps there would be time before they left where it would be appropriate for Meesei to speak more freely. Instead, Meesei decided to speak to Lunise and perhaps spur along some conversation. 'For how long did you study here, Lunise?"

"Really?" Aurana's excitement only increased.

"Yes." Janius smiled. "We had some more discussions this morning. I'm sorry for leaving you in suspense last night, I could hardly think with everything that had gone on that day. Anyway, the plan is not especially sophisticated, no tricks, we just need to do two things." Janius looked around the room. "Do you mind if we sit?"

Aurana nodded quickly. "Sure."

She practically darted around, drawing out seating for the group. Harald silently helped too. It was not exactly a lounge, but there were some chairs and stools tucked away.

Janius explained as they moved the furniture around. "Now, by the end of this, we want to make mother and father realise that keeping you trapped isn't doing you any good." Janius clasped his hands together and pointed them at Aurana. "I want to talk to them, for better or worst, but I first would like to know whether you have tried talking to them yourself before."

After a swallow, Aurana's eyes wandered. Her voice lowered. "Well...yes, I suppose. Every few months or so."

"How do you fare?" Janius asked.

Aurana sighed. "They didn't listen to me. I tell them it's unfair, all the other children get to go out. Father says it's dangerous. I tell him I don't care, I'm going mad in here. He tells me I don't know anything, then starts shouting. Then I get scared and go back to my room." She sat on her bed and held her fingers, looking down at them with a frown. "I don't like arguing with him."

Apart from Harald, they were all seated now, either on a chair or the bed. The conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. Jatinha spoke on the outside. "You called for me, my Lady?"

Rhazii's ears twitched and his eyes lit up. He watched the door.

"Come in, Jatinha," Harald said. "We have guests."

The door opened and Jatinha entered with her usual withdrawn posture. However, she and Rhazii exchanged smiles where they she thought she could get away with it.

Harald provided instructions, noticing Aurana's anxious silence. "Tea for our guests, if you would."

Jatinha nodded and scurried away.

---

Pircalmo's method of boiling water appeared to simply be heating the kettle by magic. It began to sigh and steam, but they could still talk over it.

Lunise looked thoughtfully at a window. "Oh, hmm...twenty-five years, if I remember correctly." She gave Meesei a sideways look. "Father had friends that tutored children and young adults at the time. Being family friends, they were patient enough with me. They even managed to grant me my full general education. Literature, mathematics, geography, writing. The rudiments, as it were. Being knowledgeable, they could answer a great many deep questions on their expertise as well, though things of a magical nature I reserved for mother's visits."

Pircalmo approached and poured hot water into a prepared tea pot. The gentle sound of the hot water was relaxing after the rumbling of the water boiling.

"They might have dragged me into research and discovery, too, though I was far too swept up by the early political movement of the Thalmor by the end of it." Lunise stared at the steam wafting out from the teapot's spout.

"Oh, you were never going to be a scholar like me, Lunise," Pircalmo said. He took a seat opposite the pair. "You were not the type to sit down and read and write for most of your days. You couldn't sit still for that long. If you weren't going to become a justicar, you would have become a gladiator or something."

Lunise grinned and stifled a laugh, before closing her smiling mouth. "You have no idea how much paperwork I have, do you, father?"

"Oh pish and posh. What I meant was you were always going to go out and do something more tangible and important. It's your mother in you. It's your nature to either change the world or else itch incessantly."

Pausing, Lunise's smile faded. Her eyes met her fathers. "Have you heard anything from her?"

Pircalmo was frowning as well. He turned his eyes to the tea and shook his head.

For Kaleeth, it was not entirely encouraging to hear that Aurana had attempted to convince her parents to give her more freedom before. It would make it less surprising if she trie dto stand up for herself again. But, that did not mean it was hopeless by any means. There was no guarantee that her previous tries were particularly confident, and she might not have had many good arguments to give to them. With her brother supporting her, she might be able to have more success against them.

"We want to try to help you talk to them." Kaleeth explained. "It will probably be more effective if most of the arguments come from you, with your brother supporting you. I'm also hoping that just knowing he's alive might make it easier for them to accept that it isn't as dangerous as they think for you to be independent."

---

Meesei had a feeling that the subject of Lunise's mother was at least somewhat touchy. Or at the very least, charged with some emotion. It was understandable, considering that she had left their entire plane of existence over a century ago. Particularly if they had been close, they would have lost a part of their family. Meesei was not sure if she should stay on the topic, or try to move on to something else, but the silence in the air made it seem like a good idea to at least try to keep the conversation moving.

"In truth, I can see the appeal of both worlds. There is no feeling quite like that of discovery. This world contains more mysteries than any one person could even hope to approach. I remember as a hatchling seeing the Ayleid ruins we sometimes passed around our village; I could feel the energy of their unique kinds of magic, even from the outside. They were unstable, flooded, filled with crocodiles, but that did not make them much less appealing for me." Meesei said, a smile slowly growing across her expression as she thought back to her childhood. "In another life, I might have been a wandering scholar or explorer, delving into dangerous ruins to uncover their secrets. But, my...responsibilities have kept me busy. And it is always an honor to serve my people."

Meesei gave a quick chuckle. "Although, I can relate to you on the paperwork. I do not have to contend with bureaucracy, but the need for reports is universal. And maps, I have become exceptional at drawing them."

"Are you sure that will work? That they are just going to listen now?" Aurana's enthusiasm had suddenly dived and it showed.

Janius remained encouraging. "If it's done correctly, I believe it will." He leaned forward onto his elbows where he sat. "Look, I can't say it'll be a magical solution that's going to be as easy as clicking your fingers. It'll be tricky. The reason we want you to be the one that convinces mother and father is because they will then be more likely to listen to you once we've left if they try to go back to stabling you away." Janius stopped and gestured with a rolling wrist, trying to find a way to articulate his point. His last line was awkward to speak. "Besides, if there are other things that you want to convince mother and father on, like, say...visiting a friend or learning something new, then you might have an easier time with this practice."

Aurana averted her eyes. She fidgeted in place. "I don't know if I'm even capable of doing that. Or succeeding, at least."

At this, Janius stopped, snorted, and broke into a quiet laughter.

"What's so funny?" Aurana eyes narrowed, offended.

"Julan," Janius faced his son. "Could you please describe to your aunt how it came to be that you, Rhazii, and her were together at the canal last night?" He raised a hand. "I promise this isn't a thing to punish you with."

---

Pircalmo went right back to his previous tone in response to Meesei. "If the experience of my last visit to Black Marsh was anything, it is that quality maps are an indispensable item. I can only imagine that cartography would be a necessity if you would travel in the region for long enough."

Reaching forward, Pircalmo took the tea pot and poured three cups in turn.

Lunise tilted her head. "You know, father, I don't ever recall asking why you became a scholar in the first place."

"Well, the same as any other, I suppose," he said with a shrug. "I found botany interesting. I found myself talented at the theory and systems that connect them. I began finding out more, and that knowledge was also fulfilling." He handed out the filled mugs on their saucers, one by one. "After a few decades, I branched out to study fauna, then a spot of geology, now here I am, still finding fulfilment in it all. Even if it is mostly reading and writing."

Lunise brought the tea to her lips. She was overcome with a visible relaxation over her body; she took a long blink and lowered her shoulders, gently breathing out after swallowing.

The tea itself was surprisingly sweet. It was not unlike an Elsweyr brew, though any amount of moon sugar it had, if there was any at all, would not cause the current effect on Lunise on its own. At least not in a sip's worth.

Pircalmo raised his brow to Meesei. "What about you, Meesei? What drove your decision to become a diplomat?"

Lunise's eyes shot open. "I don't care if you've kept my favourite tea all this time, father. I do not want you interrogating my friend. I can see the lines of questions already in your eyes before you have even asked them." She turned her head to Meesei. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

After an almost silent laugh, Pircalmo raised his hands. "It is not my intention to be rude. Please, tell me if I am probing too far and I will not take it as a slight."

"Um...okay." Julan answered nervously. He knew very well that his parents already knew the truth, just from Harald's reaction alone. But still, there was a certain hesitation about stating it directly out loud. However, the fact that Janius said he would not get in trouble for it gave him some confidence. If Julan admitted the truth right now, then his father would have to make himself into a liar if he wanted to punish them for it, and Julan did not think he would go that far.

"Well...we came here. I came here; I convinced Rhazii to come with me. I wanted to see my grandparents, and I wanted them to be able to know that they had a family. I thought it was only right. I came here, met them, told them all about you and the...Penitus Oculatus and everything. Then we left and went down towards the river. Your father said he would come to the castle today to see you, but I think that was a lie. Aurana saw us and followed us after we left, and we took the time to talk to each other."

---

Meesei turned her head calmly to LUnise as she tried to reassure her. "Do not worry, I can speak about myself. It is no trouble." She said, placing her attention back on Pircalmo. "Much like Lunise, there are some topics that I am not at liberty to discuss, but I can still give some details about myself. My role encompasses more than just being a diplomat, but I am serving in the capacity of a diplomat. Ultimately, my motivation is that of duty; to serve my people. There are few who can do what I can do, so I serve for the benefit of my people. I care deeply for them, so for me, it is as if I am working for my family." She explained.

Meesei had plenty of years of experience speaking covertly about herself, and she did demonstrate her advice to Lunise to give a lie close to the truth. She never explicitly defined who "her people" actually were. The assumption Pircalmo would make was obvious, but also incorrect.

Taking a sip of her tea, Meesei paused a moment, as the flavor was not what she was expecting. Though, it was not unpleasant. In an effort to make sure the Pircalmo did not focus to heavily on herself, Meesei brought Lunise back into the focus. "I am not entirely familiar with Thalmor protocols. What kinds of details are you allowed to share about your work? You may have far more interesting tales than me."

While Janius had been expecting a different story to the one Julan had given before, even he had to raise his eyebrows and think. The supposed lie about his parents coming to the castle surprised him. Still, after a few moments, he appeared to let it go. He had been intending something else.

"Aurana, you followed Julan and Rhazii after they left," Janius repeated. "You sneaked out into the night of a dangerous city, in the cold, wearing a nightgown, to look for two people who were virtually strangers, on the off-chance that you might find you long dead brother." He put two flat hands forward. "Trust me when I say this. You are capable."

Aurana remained ambivalent. She released an uncomfortable breath. "What do I even say, then? I don't know what to do."

Janius gave Julan and Rhazii a sideways look. "What would you do if we were doing the same to you, boys?"

---

Lunise leaned her head back, breathing in and out through her nose. "There are operating matters that I cannot share. And specifics of my work is in confidence as well. Names, dates, the like." She blinked. "If there is anything interesting I am permitted to share, it is to do with the locals of Anequina." Her head levelled. Her eyes alternated between Meesei and Pircalmo while she spoke. "Though they are short-lived, there is a humbleness to many Khajiit. Their different forms have a profound influence in their places in life. There were times where we sent written messages to individuals to summon them to court for various matters, only to get no response. While we were often tried for tricks by many, there was one occasion where we were inadvertently forced to arrest someone for not sending anything back. It turned out, when we found him, that he was a Senche who lived on his own. He could neither read nor write. He only communicated through his sister, who could not leave her children to go to court with him. I could go on for some time about the various small challenges we faced bringing Anequina into the Dominion's fold."

"Were their any large challenges?" Pircalmo said, raising his tea cup in both hands to drink.

"Several, yes." Lunise nodded. She was somewhat neutral in her tone, though her usual condescending hints had been absent since she arrived. "One such trouble was, contrary to what I mentioned, something that unites all Khajiit. Their moon sugar. You see, skooma is already contraband in the Dominion, so that drew initial efforts of controlling and building on Elsweyr societies to rid the streets of the sugar itself. The idea was to improve the Khajiit as a workforce, without beating them and penning them away like some spiteful Dunmer slaver. If you know any one thing about Khajiit, you could tell that it would be a disaster."

Lunise paused to sip her tea. She spoke with one hand on the table, frowning at something on a bookshelf ahead of her. "My jurisdiction was to pilot the efforts. There was an uproar, with many dissidents springing up to us to complain. It became violent rather quickly, though we dispersed the initial riots. The very next day, there were far fewer people complaining, and far more skooma on the streets. By usurping all who dealt moon sugar legally, we cornered the market to those that dealt illegally. No matter how many dealers we killed or arrested, more came out of nowhere. It was hopeless, with arson every other day, robberies, property damage. The situation was not going to become any better. Our initial report came back with a simple response. It was along the lines of 'fix it now.'"

Still remaining neutral, Lunise readjusted in her seat. "On a Sundas afternoon, on my way back from visiting the town's mayor, I spotted a mother and child trade a satchel of moon sugar for some meat and vegetables in broad daylight. It had value that we were storing away. It occurred to me that we could use the sugar for our own benefits, rather than chasing some high bureaucrat's dream of annihilating it. I went back to my office to meet with other justicars and we formulated a plan to turn the scheme on its head. We, as the Dominion, sold moon sugar on to the local government, undercutting the high black market prices. The local government then resold the sugar again. Almost overnight, the unrest ceased. In fact, we had not only prevented a rebellion, but we had developed a method of control over the local governments that did not require force of violence. If we cut off the supply at any time, the unrest would resume, there would be damages, and many thousands lost in treasury revenue. Dominion sanctioned moon sugar became the scheme that all but secured the north kingdom, and even eventually the south kingdom. Skooma dealers still existed, but they were another problem to begin with. One far reduced from usual now."

Lunise dipped her eyes and took another sip of tea. For recounting how she had come up with the primary method that the Dominion now used to control the Elsweyr city-level governments, she sounded as if she was merely fixing a broken tool.

It was obvious that Julan was feeling at least slightly uncomfortable talking in this way about this topic, even if they were being purely hypothetical. Regardless, his father obviously thought it would help convince Aurana, and he wanted to do whatever he could to help her.

“I mean…it’s hard to even imagine that, but…” Julan began hesitantly. “I think we would go mad if we were locked up like that. We always travel so much, go to so many places. I’d argue with you, I’d try to get the rest of our family to argue with you. I’d just…run away if that didn’t work. I couldn’t live like that.”

After a few seconds, Julan held up his hands and looked to Aurana. “Not…that I think you should run away or anything. It’s kind of different for us.”

---

Although Lunise's solution to the problems she described was certainly manipulative, Meesei could respect that she was more understanding than her superiors. It did speak to why Lunise may have been assigned to such a position. She was someone who could identify with and understand someone who was not an Altmer, to some degree. It was a trait that Meesei believed had been strengthening in her as of late.

“Indeed, I believe it was wise of you to try to understand their people, as it shows in your results.” Meesei commented. “I have spent time in Elsweyr and worked with Khajiit for many years. It seems your superiors did not recognize how integral moon sugar is to them. It is not a simple drug, it is a part of their identity. It is integral to most of their customs, their religion, their food. Trying to outlaw it would be like trying to outlaw the practice of magic among Altmer. It would be blasphemy to them, and as you saw, something they would fight to the last. I would go as far as to say that your understanding, your ability to connect to the people you were working with, was the linchpin to the Dominion’s annexation of Pelletine and Anequina. Without that, it would have turned into a guerilla war that would have been very costly for the Dominion to fight. Something that would have weakened it to the Empire. It is surprising, sometimes, how much influence a single person can have in world events.” She said, giving Lunise a knowing look.

So as not to call too much attention to the underlying meaning behind Meesei’s praise, she continued quickly. “I suppose the challenge now will be to ensure the politicians understand how critical your deal is to the alliance. By controlling the moon sugar, you have some power over them, but if that power is abused too much, it could quickly turn back to war. A clever Imperial spy could try to encourage a less worldly politician to start a campaign against moon sugar once more, unknowing of the disaster it could cause. I imagine it would be much like if some group tried to restrict Hist sap among Argonians. It is even more important to us than moon sugar is to the Khajiit; it is tied to our being, our physiology. Not to mention, its source is the Hist itself, which is ubiquitous throughout Black Marsh. The only way to control it would be to attack the Hist, and, well…” She began, giving a few brief chuckles. “…that would be a very quick end to any alliance, and a very quick beginning to a war. I know you are wise, Lunise, and you have been a friend to me." She said, her expression seemingly, genuinely positive. "I trust you will ensure your superiors understand the intricacies of the situation. The last group to attempt to attack the Hist were Dagon’s Daedric hordes during the Oblivion Crisis. It did not fare very well for the Daedra, I would say. They reportedly closed their own gates when the Argonian armies invaded their realm. If you ever find yourself in an argument with a Dremora, I am sure it would give you no end of amusement to bring that historic fact up to it.”

Meesei did not have many intentions with her tangent into the Hist aside from furthering her cover story as a diplomat. It certainly sounded like a warning for the repercussions of the Dominion trying the same strategy against the Argonians as Lunise had implemented with the Khajiit. The parallels were obvious, and everything Meesei said she did indeed believe to be true, but it was just another layer to the façade.

Rhazii gave his opinion as well. "I agree with Julan. It is really different with us travelling most of the time. But...I don't know, I suppose I would ask you what the point of locking me up would be if there are plenty of other children that are allowed out."

After hearing both of the brothers, Janius returned his smile to Aurana. "Does that give you any ideas?"

"Nothing that'll work," Aurana mumbled cynically. "I could threaten to run away, I guess."

Janius slumped his head and sighed. "Okay, perhaps..." He raised his hands. "Let's try a different approach." His face lifted again, amused more than frustrated. "So, you've told us what mother and father have mentioned as their reasoning for all this. Do you think you might know the real reason why they are keeping you indoors?"

Aurana stared into her lap, still clutching her arm. She blinked a few times. "I...I don't know."

---

Lunise turned her head to Meesei. The eyebrow hidden from Pircalmo drew up in what could be construed as incredulity. "Rest assured, Meesei, Thalmor doctrine does not necessitate burning down trees. Valenwood would have been a terrible genocide if that was the case."

"My daughter." Pircalmo shook his head and tsked. "You know it was that kind of thinking that drew your mother to invite you to the Psijics. Any other representative of the government would probably be some boisterous exemplar who would have bathed that town in blood."

"Well, I could not exactly go to Artaeum now," Lunise answered immediately. "Besides, I have told you and I have told her; that is not my life."

"Oh, do not get dramatic. I was merely complimenting you."

Lunise shot him a glance and looked down at her tea. "You were never good at compliments, father."

The corner of Pircalmo's mouth quirked up. "Well, that is because I am getting old and inflexible. You, on the other hand, were never very good at opening your heart to a spot of friendliness." Pircalmo's eyes blinked to Meesei. "But I am glad to see that changing."

Lunise sipped her tea, not paying close attention.

"So, how long has it been since you have been calling one another friends?" Pircalmo asked.

After putting her cup down, Lunise looked at Meesei as well. She assumed her father had directed the question to Meesei by where he was looking.

Somewhat frustrated and somewhat impatient, Julan was apt to give what he saw as an easy solution to the problems they were discussing. "I mean, even if you don't know their reasons for sure, you still know what you want. It might be that they're just scared to let you do anything after they thought they lost their son. Even if it isn't, won't have to be afraid to tell them how you feel. Father said that if they get really mad, he'll say that he told you to say whatever you end up saying, so they won't blame you. That will make it easier to talk to them, right?"

Kaleeth briefly sighed and interrupted calmly. "We can do that, Julan, but we don't want to have to do it. We want Aurana to be able to speak confidently and know what she is talking about. Do you think you would be confident to speak to your parents if we agree to take the blame if it doesn't work, Aurana?"

---

Meesei smiled at Pircalmo before taking another sip of tea. She leaned forward somewhat over the table, clasping the mug between both hands. "If I find someone to be a friend, I will name them as such whether they like it or not. I consider Lunise to be a friend because of what she has done for my people. Because of Lunise, all of the people I represent have some real opportunities going into the future. I apologize that I cannot speak in any real detail about our professional relationship, but as you said, Thalmor Justiciars are not a group that is generally known for their understanding. Lunise is special. Respectable in her dedication to her service to her people, honest in her dealings with me, and knowledgeable enough in magical and scholarly pursuits to be my peer. To have common interests. It is why I consider her to be a friend. As for why Lunise calls me a friend, well, I cannot speak for her." Meesei said, turning her head to Lunise.

After a short time, Meesei showed a curious gaze towards Lunise as a thought crossed her mind. Once she had a chance, she decided to pose another question to her. "So Lunise, you have been alive for quite a long time, and you have family within the Psijic order. Did you ever see Artaeum yourself, back before they removed the Isle from Tamriel? I have always found myself curious about the Psijic order and what their home is like."

Aurana began to knit her brow. Her eyes started to glisten. "Look, I just don't know. I don't know if I can convince them at all. If it doesn't-"

"Aurana, look at me." Janius took a turn for the serious.

She reluctantly obeyed.

"This is your best chance. I need you to take it, even if you're uncertain." Janius stood up, stepped forward, and put a hand on Aurana's shoulder. "I think at this point all of this planning is just making you more scared of it. How about we stop to calm down and wait for mother and father to get home. Remember, we'll be here to support you."

"Okay," Aurana nodded.

With fortunate timing, Jatinha returned with a tray of tea. She laid it on a table and began to serve everyone. She and Rhazii continued to exchange smiles.

Aurana held her tea glumly in both hands. She wasn't getting any worse for now. "I wish you all could stay for longer," she said.

---

Lunise did not return Meesei's look. "It has only been recently that I have considered Meesei a friend. There was no time for social interactions over the past few years, even with all the work we have done."

Meesei's question caused Lunise's eyes to lower once more. "I never saw the island for myself, no," she explained quietly. "All I know was what mother told me. It was a similarly built place to an Altmer city by its architecture, but everything else was different. Buildings clung to precipices without regard to the gravity that would normally collapse them. Floating platforms were commonplace. It was always well lit with magic that had not dimmed in its entire history. There were many places for learning and teaching. Many, many secrets. And all else was about watching the world and the stars. The power that the order has drives many responsibilities that bring its members together. I always know that my mother is helping to keep the world safe." She sipped her tea again. "Even if the island is not present."

"She is still watching," Pircalmo said. "No one know when or if she will be back, but Nytala is still watching."

It did not seem like there was any more to say to Aurana that could make her any more prepared, or less worried. As everyone was taking their cups of tea, Kaleeth placed her hand gently on Janius' arm. "You know you are probably going to have to talk to your parents about yourself for at least a little while once they get here, right? You can't just come back after so long of being dead and expect to just talk about their daughter right away. They'll have questions, things to say. But you won't be alone."

Meanwhile, Julan, although sufficiently nervous as a result of their conversation, moved over to sit down next to Aurana. "I guess I could...I don't know, tell you more stories while we wait?"

---

"Hmm, so neither of you have seen any part of the island in person?" Meesei commented, which was likely all that Lunise would need to realize the true intent of her question. "Regardless, it sounds wonderful. It is easy to see why the Psijic order is wrapped up with so much legend and myth in modern times. Their home sounds like another world entirely, something beyond the experiences of the average person. The Psijic order has always been reserved, isolationist, but they have shown themselves in history to have an interest in making sure the world continues its existence."

Meesei finished off the last of the tea in her mug, then placed it down carefully on the table in front of her. "At any rate, I do not wish to focus on anything that might be too depressing for you. I do have to complement you on your tea, Pircalmo. I am fairly well-traveled myself, but it still stands out as unique. It does remind me of Khajiit drinks, actually."

Janius stood up and bared his teeth, sucking in a breath. "Oh, I know," he responded to Kaleeth, before breathing out. "After all of this planning, I'm perhaps unfairly trying not to think about it at all. Or at least not more than I absolutely have to." His hand took Kaleeth's on his arm and squeezed it appreciatively. He retook a seat to receive his tea like everyone else.

At first, Aurana didn't seem enthusiastic to Julan's request. After a few moments of Jatinha passing cups out, Aurana managed a nod. "I wouldn't mind. Maybe it will take my mind off talking my parents."

The time at which Janius and his family arrived was fortunate, as the gathering was not given long to relax before there were sounds from the front door. Barely half an hour more had been given. Enough for a few stories for Aurana, though there was no mistaking who had come home. Janius' ears prickled at the sound of familiar voices from downstairs.

Harald spoke up. "I shall receive the master and mistress Aetius. Would you prefer to see them here, Janius and Aurana, or would the sitting room suit you better?"

Aurana breathed in and halted. Janius was doing the same. They looked at each other, waiting for one to speak. Aurana gave Janius a small gesture.

"The sitting room, I think, Harald," Janius said. "If we come to them, we can do so on our own terms."

Harald bowed his head. "I shall see that they remain there. I trust you will not leave them waiting too long."

"Of course."

With a turn on his heel, Harald left the bedroom and his footsteps faded away on the wood.

Janius turned his eyes to Aurana. "You ready, sister?"

Aurana exhaled and looked away. "No," she said with enough petulance to be sarcastic.

"Come along. No use putting it off."

A few moments later and the family was treading to the stairs in a reluctantly slow line. Janius was leading the way. He stopped at the top of the stairs. The faint sound of Aeramina's quaint and oblivious voice conversed something too quiet to hear out of sight. Janius breathed in deep. His breath came out slowly as he stared straight ahead. "I am okay," he breathed to pre-empt the concern of those behind him. "My heart is racing, that's all."

---

"You never asked me, Meesei," Pircalmo mentioned. He still held the mischievous smirk. "I saw Artaeum from a distance, granted. They would not let me set foot on it any more than the next man. But, I still remember the day clearly. Lunise was barely three years old, I had to hold her hand. We both travelled with Nytala to see her off at the port closest to the island at the time. But that is another story. The tea yes..."

Pircalmo finished his own cup and placed it down. He then reached a hand over to lift the glossed clay lid from the tea pot. The steam poured upwards and spread a sickly-sweet smell up their noses.

"The reason that it tastes of Khajiit drinks is that it is a Khajiit drink. Well, my own blend, without moon sugar, but based on a Khajiiti-farmed plant." He nodded to Lunise. "It was the only drink that Lunise would take medicine with as a child. Hmph, years of botanical research leaves one with a few tricks up one's sleeve. This was so successful that Lunise had to move to Elsweyr to sate her habit of the stuff."

"I had assignments there, father," Lunise clarified. Her tone was not amused. "Your tea was a reason to come back to visit, if nothing else. I cannot find it in Anequina."

The light conversation rolled on for the rest of the afternoon. Lunise and Pircalmo had several decades to catch up on. Though Pircalmo was often blunt to the point of annoying Lunise and Lunise was much more serious and lacking in humour, they never raised their voices to one another. Whatever differences they had was obviously resolved to peace in another lifetime. Perhaps even before Meesei was born.

Reminiscing ages past was one aspect where Meesei's short lifespan was truly driven home. Even as far as her historical knowledge extended, the way that Pircalmo would describe things to her was unavoidably patronising, even if Pircalmo spoke as such subconsciously. Lunise did rein in his tone, though even the most toneless recount was from first-hand experience that Meesei would never have.

Nevertheless, the afternoon remained pleasant overall. The sun was reflecting bright orange from nearby buildings into the windows and the tea set was long empty and cold by the time their conversation began to run dry. Pircalmo had just finished explaining the article he had mentioned when they had first walked in, followed by a short discussion thereof, and then a half-minute of silence.

"Father," Lunise said, suddenly lowering her voice. She avoided eye contact. "We should be going soon, but...I want to tell you one last thing." Lunise wrung her hands. "I learned something yesterday. I cannot tell you what it is. It should be enough to say that I will be acting upon this knowledge and...it may prove especially dangerous."

Pircalmo leaned forward on his elbow, listening intently.

Lunise swallowed hard and clenched her teeth. Her frown pressed down. "It may also put me afoul of my usual ethics and motives. I would like you to know that if you should hear misgivings about me in the near future, it is because I am trying my hardest to do the right thing and nothing more. And I apologise in advance."

There were no words from Pircalmo. Not immediately. He lowered his eyes, leaned back, and looked to one side. He frowned and gave the words thought. His wandering eyes held uncertainty. In silence, he placed his fingers on the table in front of him and stood up. His chair sang back behind him along the ground. He took a step out. He took a step towards Lunise. He gently laid his hands on her shoulders and drew her head into a hug against his torso.

"I trust you to do the right thing always, my daughter. And I trust you to do what you must." Pircalmo's solemn words caused Lunise's eyes to hold tightly shut.

Meesei could see Lunise beginning to redden around the eyes. Contrary to the pure release of emotion in Meesei's arms, Lunise wept silently against her father. They stayed in their embrace for some time. Pircalmo smiled softly, occasionally returning Meesei's glances. They both were quiet.

Pircalmo eventually let Lunise go. "Come now," he said. "If you have work to do, I shan't fetter you here."

Lunise sniffed deeply and wiped her eyes. "Thank you." She stood up. Unceremoniously, she started for the door. "I will be back in a moment." She had reverted to her usual voice abruptly, albeit with a blocked nose. "I need to use the facilities."

With clasped hands, Pircalmo watched Lunise leave. He turned his smile to Meesei. "I apologise for our rudeness. Family matters are not normally what we share with guests." One of his eyebrows lowered. "Although, Lunise is normally stoic to a fault in front of others. Especially political figures such as yourself." Pircalmo waved one hand up. "Far be it from me to probe such matters, but have you two forged something of an emotional trust?"

Kaleeth took a tight hold of Janius’ hand, immediately grabbing his attention. She looked him in the eyes, bringing her own head close to his. “We’re all here with you, dear. No matter what they say, your family always loves and supports you. If they want to be a part of that, then they can be family too. If not, then they can’t take us away from you. Now, no more waiting.”

Kaleeth took the lead to guide Janius and the others through the door, hoping to give him that last push he needed.

---

Meesei’s scrunched up expression, provided Pircalmo was experienced enough with Argonians to read it, showed that she was conflicted, debating internally on how to answer. She sighed, and gave him something of an apologetic look. “Forgive me if I have to speak vaguely, I…do not wish to reveal anything that Lunise would not say herself. Our professional business, it is so…mired in secrecy. So wrapped up in protocol and security concerns that it can become hard to talk to anyone openly. Even our personal business has inevitably become bound to professional affairs. Though, I am sure you are well-familiar with the harsh demands of secrecy. With you being in love with a Psijic monk, and your daughter being a Thalmor Justiciar, it is almost a surprise that you were able to learn anything about your own family.” Meesei chuckled, trying to present some measure of levity to the situation. Though, her lighthearted smile quickly faded.

“Although, I feel that I can be safe in saying that we have a relationship of the type that she would be comfortable showing her emotions in front of me. I suppose what just occurred makes that too obvious to hide. I cannot speak on Lunise’s behalf, but I can speak for my own emotions when I say that I do care what happens to her. You studied my kind extensively, so I suppose you know that we have a certain reputation for not giving trust quickly, but once it is earned, we give it strongly. I would not say that I break that mould, so I can safely say that your daughter has at least one devoted ally.”

Janius returned Kaleeth's look. His response was as decisive as it needed to be. A single nod and he was walking confidently to the stairs, not slowing for any further doubt.

The footsteps of the whole group made enough noise coming down the creaky stairs to make the nearby sitting room quiet of its voices. When they descended far enough to look in, Janius found himself pushing a stair back at two figures he had not seen in one and a half decades. They had aged as he had aged. While Janius had come to resemble what his father had looked like when he first joined Meesei's pack, his father was a glimpse into his future. Greying, balding, stern. They stared one another down as he walked into the sitting room.

Each was dressed in fashionable clothing. Their outing was likely one of high class, as was to be expected.

Janius hadn't even noticed Remus and Aeramina stand up by the time he stopped walking. They frowned. He frowned. No one else spoke.

"Mother." Janius' eyes skipped over to Aeramina and back. "Father."

Remus' eyes similarly skipped over Janius' more recent family. "Janius," he said tersely in return.

That was the first step out of the way. Remus clearly recognised him.

"Son..." Aeramina's stoic brow contracted. Her knuckle flew up to her lips and she sobbed. "You were away for so long," she squeaked. Her breathing was already made shallow by an uncomfortable looking corset. The shallowness that her sobbing made audible was nothing short of unhealthy. As if glued to the floor, her feet did not move. She barely made a motion to approach Janius and his family.

"I'm sorry," Janius said, clasping his hands behind his back and looking around uncomfortably.

Remus did not speak with a scolding voice yet. Though he was impatient in his next question. "Who is this you have brought?"

Janius turned to whom Remus was referring. "This is Kaleeth-rei," he said quickly. "She is my wife. Of many years now." Janius gestured with one hand to the boys to formally introduce them as well. "You have already met my son, Kaj-Julan, and his good friend Rhazii. I am sorry for any trouble they might have caused."

"You, Khajiit," Remus' rumbling monotone droned. He turned his gaze to Rhazii. He felt it like a pair of invisible fists gently pressing against his chest. "Wait upstairs. This is a family matter." His eyes turned again. "Jatinha, watch him."

Rhazii flicked his head between Remus and Janius. "I...but..." Remus' look had put a fear into him. He was deprived of words.

Janius was more gentle, but still serious. "You should probably wait upstairs, Rhazii. We'll send for you."

Quiet footsteps came up to Rhazii and took him by the arm. Jatinha whispered a beckon to him and he slowly complied. There was nothing else for it. Although, by Jatinha's pace, she was keen to stay out of the matter entirely.

The rest of them stood quietly while the two exited up the stairs.

---

Pircalmo weaved his fingers together in front of himself, gently letting his arms hang. "I am glad it is you, then. Lunise is unlikely to tell you, but perhaps why she makes such a canny justicar is that she is always on the lookout for betrayal. Of course, you could immediately understand how that makes it difficult for her to remain attached to others on a personal level. A simple slight by a friend or loved one, whether intentional or not, can cause her inordinate amounts of stress and doubt. She pushes people away when that happens."

He angled his head and rubbed at his neck. "It was not until a century into Lunise's life that I reflected upon how I contributed to that disposition. I admit that I was a busy man back then. I neither had the patience for her nor the expertise to raise her differently. In addition, she was betrayed at times by those that tried to get close to her. We have made peace and spoken on the matter at great length, though I do not think Lunise's 'scanning for threats' will ever truly stop."

In a mirror of Meesei's apologetic face, Pircalmo frowned and turned the middle of his brow up. "I do not wish to speak for my daughter either, but if you have grown close to her, I ask that you exercise patience if something should go awry between you. She may trust you now, but when that trust is strained, even for a moment, well...please do not let her salt the earth between you. She needs close ones more than she will ever admit. Call it a father's request." He managed a soft smile once more.

Julan's reaction to Remus' demand mimicked Rhazii's. "But...he is family." He said, though his protest did not seem to have much effect. With all of the tension in the air, he would be surprised if anyone had paid attention to him. For a few moments, it was just silence between them all. Julan was quickly understanding why Janius seemed so intimidated by his father. He had captured a hint of that reason the previous night, but having Janius here now made that even stronger.

Surprisingly enough, it was only Kaleeth who seemed to show no fear towards Remus. Whereas Julan looked to almost be hiding behind his parents, Kaleeth had a firm posture, and an even firmer gaze. Even so, she knew it was not truly her time to talk, so without a word, she tightened her grip on Janius' hand as a reminder that she was with him. She wanted to encourage him, and make sure to show that he was not alone. At one point in time, Kaleeth might have been the most frightful of them all in such a situation, but her confidence had truly come into its own.

---

"Thank you, your support means a great deal to me. I know that, strictly speaking, I am still a stranger to you. But, I do hope to prove myself worthy of trust, to you and Lunise." Meesei answered. "It was difficult to see past her intentionally cold exterior, I will admit, but as I said before, she is quite a special Justiciar. She may end up serving the Dominion's people in greater ways than any other."

Though she had a similar soft smile to Pircalmo's she still showed a hint of regret. "I wish I could tell you everything. The danger she mentioned, a parent has the right to know the details such things about their child. But, the world is also rarely so fair as that. At the very least, I can promise to do what I can to fulfill your request. Ideally, I will avoid straining our trust, but rest assured that I will not give up so easily if I do. I have never been one to simply accept defeat. Particularly for friends and family."

Janius was reaffirmed by Kaleeth's small gesture. He straightened his head higher. "I'm glad I was able to see-"

"Tell us what happened," Remus' firm voice interrupted. "Tell us where you have been."

It took a moment for Janius to thaw his frozen up lungs. He began slowly. "Those years ago, I set out on a mission with the Fighters Guild to clear a bear den that was threatening the green road to the close north. I went with two other fighters, Tomlyn and Erabeth. We were expecting a mother and cubs at most. When we walked into the den, an abandoned mine, there was a cave-in that trapped us. And there were giant spiders. Many of them. Tomlyn was struck and succumbed to venom. Erabeth panicked and was trapped, killed by a bite before I could cut her out. I survived because of luck and the fire magic I had learned. I had to evade throughout the day, picking off the spiders. When they were all dead, I could not dig myself out, so I waited for rescue. Or do die."

For recounting such a harrowing experience as he was describing, Janius was surprisingly straightforward and clear about it. Aeramina continued to softly sob and Remus continued to frown and stare.

"After one day, when the air was getting unbearably thick, a party of men in dark Imperial legion uniforms dug through the cave-in," Janius continued. "They told me to come with them. They were ahead of a search party being called, or something of that nature." Janius lowered his eyes now that the story had truly fallen into complete fiction. "They were from the Penitus Oculatus. They said they could use me because I would be dead on the Imperial census soon. They started me on training, and then to operations. I...am not at liberty to elaborate on them." He glanced at Kaleeth, reminded. "I met Kaleeth on a mission in Black Marsh. She was unrelated to the particular objectives at the time."

The room was silent again. Remus was still, almost as if he expected more said.

"And why have you returned only now?" Remus asked, slow and droning.

---

"That is most gracious of you." Pircalmo's smile widened. "It will be no easy thing to commit to, especially for someone of your lifespan. But, even a decade or two of support in such a crux as this seems to be will be beneficial for her. I thank you."

Without any awareness of touching sensitivities, Pircalmo turned to pack up the tea set onto its tray and moved on. "As for not knowing, I have lived long enough to appreciate my family's need for professional secrets. It is to protect us, not just the interests of the secret keepers themselves. The important parts are still freely shared: Love, trust, support, and anything else family is for."

The door handle clacked and opened again. Lunise walked in looking just as prim and composed as she had been walking through the college grounds. Even the small smudges on her facial make-up from her tears were seamlessly repaired.

She walked up to them both. "Shall we take our leave, then?"

Pircalmo left the rest of the cleaning up for later. He turned back around and spread his arms. "As you wish, little moonbeam." The two closed in for another hug. "Thank you for visiting. Now go and conquer the world like you always do."

"Love you, father," Lunise whispered.

"I love you too, dear." Pircalmo said.

The pair pulled away. Lunise had a small smile again.

Pircalmo's attention turned fully to Meesei. He extended a hand and bowed. "It was lovely to make your acquaintance, Meesei. Divines be with you in all your future tasks."

Given that they had discussed this beforehand, Kaleeth was aware of exactly how Janius intended to describe his past. Regardless, Kaleeth paid close attention. In the heat of the moment, with his father's judging gaze on him, she would not be surprised if he accidentally changed some of the story, so she would have to be ready to adapt. In any case, she did not intend to stay silent the entire time. If she were to be silent and reserved, as she usually was when those in her pack met with people outside the clans, then she had a feeling hat Remus would start to walk all over them. In some ways, it reminded her of her own father. He had a commanding personality, and was someone that could take authority over everyone around him just by speaking. Remus was the head of a noble household, and based on everything Janius had said about him, he was probably used to having authority.

"My husband was not supposed to return here now." Kaleeth clarified before gesturing to Julan. "We are in the middle of moving our family to a different place, since we're going to start working out of a different part of Tamriel than we were before. Bravil just happened to be a stop along the way. Our son decided he wanted to see you, so he...made sure Janius had to come back here. That doesn't mean he never wanted to, but our duties make it a bad idea."

---

Meesei smiled back, returning Pircalmo's gesture and shaking his hand. "Thank you, Pircalmo. And may the Hist guide you in your future research. Perhaps literally, if you study in the Marsh once again. They can be surprisingly benevolent to those who are respectful to them. And perhaps if we meet again, we may have time for some more scholarly-oriented discussion. I would be lying if I said that your work has not captured my attention."

Despite her intellectual curiosity, Meesei and Lunise did have to depart eventually. Once gain, Meesei followed Lunise's lead through the college's halls. She did not know exactly where Lunise was leading her, but she assumed it would be a place where Meesei could safely take the time to create a new portal. Although, Meesei did not actually wish to take them back to Bravil immediately.

"I hope you were able to get what you desired out of this meeting. For those in our kind of situation, I know meeting with family can be...intense, in a few ways. I for one had an overall pleasant time speaking with you and your father. He did say a few things that were somewhat insensitive, but I doubt it was intentional. At any rate, I was hoping you would not mind if I took us somewhere else that I had in mind. Perhaps just for a short time, depending on what you want. It is nowhere crowded. Quite the opposite, it is a rather isolated, serene location, and a good place to relax and clear your mind." Meesei suggested.