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 [i]real[/i] 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."

[hr]
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.