"Sure, sure," Rhazii nodded confidently. He let Julan go and pat him firmly on the shoulder, relieved that he had finally taken the hint.

Rhazii breathed in and turned around to the others. "Sorry, um...So, Aurana, what's the situation for you now?"

Aurana was not too far into telling Jatinha the same thing, so started again for Rhazii. She was still smiling and jumpy from sharing the good news with Jatinha that she didn't mind repeating herself. "Well, father has told me that he wants me to learn to shoot a bow, as well as do some other things out with him. Mother still wants me to go to court, but she is okay with doing this new stuff. At least, she was after father convinced her." Her eyes lit up. "Anyway, father says that if I'm good enough, I'll get to go the Imperial City with him!" She grinned and bounced on the balls of her feet. "I've always wanted to go there!"

"The Imperial City, huh?" Rhazii did not quite see the special nature of the prospect, seeing how close it was to Bravil and how many times he had been there before, but he couldn't quite stop himself from sharing some of the excitement. "That's great! Do you think you might travel to other cities as well?"

"Maybe later. I really want to travel the world, I've decided." Aurana gestured to Julan and Rhazii. "After talking to you both, I just want to go and see all the wonderful things you've seen. All over Tamriel. I'm so glad you two came along."

Jatinha was not exempt from the excitement. She wore a wide grin and pert ears, even with her usual quietness. "Thank you, Rhazii. Thank you, Kaj-Julan. And thank you especially, Kaj-Julan, for convincing your parents to come."

[hr]
Lunise returned the kiss for as long as it lasted, though she was evidently distracted by her thoughts. When they separated, she wrapped her arms more firmly around Meesei and closed her eyes again. "I had always thought about it in the long term. You're right; that may not be correct. If this reality is what it is like to think as a short-lived person, I choose to be glad for living it as well. Just...do not underestimate the damage this may do to you, should it be revealed. I do not want you to experience the retribution that will come."

Reaching up, Lunise ran a hand over Meesei's feathers. "You are such an exception, Meesei. A beautiful exception. I should be ashamed to be with you. Perhaps it is because we are alone, but...I care not. You have succeeded in overcoming my sensibilities. You may tout yourself as the first non-High-Elf to do so. Although..." She opened her eyes. "...You are still an Argonian. And not a young Argonian. If this decisive scheme against Vile is successful, I shall still have business to attend against the Thalmor government. That will take time. So much time that you may not even see the end of it, even if it is age that takes your life. So...I..." Lunise winced and blinked hard, trying to think of the right way to convey her point. "To be realistic, we discovered our feelings today. It may not be the same relationship one year from now, or even one month. But...if it does work between us for longer, you will be with someone who shall never be at peace in your natural lifetime. I will be in danger almost every day. Are you willing to accept that? And are you willing to keep this secret even if it has to last forever?"