Remus did not make his impression of Kaleeth's story clear. "I see," he said, again after a pause. He gave Janius a look that lingered enough to suggest a question, but he did not ask it.

Janius nervously swallowed when Remus turned his attention to Julan. "And you, my...grandchild. Your parents must be most devoted to raise you while being so busy. How old are you now?"

Somehow, Remus did not convey his intimidation to Julan anymore. Instead of a glowing threat, he was quietly trying to understand them.

[hr]
Lunise held a small tension in her shoulders as Meesei explained. Her initial reaction to the explanation was an acknowledging nod, thrown at an angle to mark her respect though still with neutral frown.

Meesei's advance on Lunise was not met with the same reaction. She tensed up and peered over at Meesei's arm reaching for her shoulder. Her eyes flicked to Meesei's eyes and flashed with brief anger. One of her arms curled. Her fingers splayed as if about to channel magic of her own.

She stopped still. Her anger melted off as she looked at the ocean to their side and let her arm hang loose.

"Forgive me. You are..." Lunise, exasperated, exhaled and tried again. "This is a part in my doctrine where I would commit a violent display of power to assert dominance over someone who was trying to manipulate me with a threat." An audible breath in and out sounded through her nose. "But you're a friend. I know that should not be what you meant to imply."

Lunise pushed Meesei's hand slowly off her shoulder. "It is an impressive technique that you have discovered," she said, trying to belie the upset wavering in her voice while avoiding her eyes. "You should be commended. Studying beasts spirits is difficult at the best of times."