Considering the fact that their last meal was here, once again, the feeling on unease seemed to grip Emiri tightly. There was no convincing her otherwise; much had happened. As they entered the Grand Hall, she was slightly surprised to see Shion up and about, delicately dabbing a napkin to her lips. All things considered, the woman was relatively calm, simply sparing them a passing glance as they entered. She didn't really react until both Aloa and Emette approached her, to which she would place her napkin over her lap.

"[color=deepskyblue]The Prodigal Son returns in one piece. Seeing the Serpent and living is quite a feat--and I do mean both serpents,[/color]" She stated to the group warily. "[color=deepskyblue]So Zodiark roams Ivalice in Levi's skin, I admit, she certainly slithered out of the cracks.[/color]"

"[color=mistyrose]More like oozed, but yes,[/color]" Emette sighed. "[color=mistyrose]I must ask for your forgiveness for my failure.[/color]"

Shion's amber eyes examined Emette. "[color=deepskyblue]It's impressive enough that you still remain among us. I can assure you, Levi gaining Zodiark changes nothing--[/color]"

A pair of heels clicking the ground interrupted Shion, an exasperated Nadeline running in. "[color=coral]I came--as quickly as I heard--goodness, what a crowd,[/color]" She began, noticing everyone gathered up. "[color=coral]Aloa, you've returned to us?[/color]"

"[color=plum]Yes, Highness. Forgive the intrusion,[/color]" Aloa stated.

Nadeline shook her head, though her eyes landed on Emette, who crossed her arms. "[color=coral]Emet-Selch?[/color]" She asked, a hand on her chin. "[color=coral]But...[/color]"

"[color=mistyrose]Color me impressed. I always knew you had a talent for detecting magicks,[/color]" Emette replied in earnest. "[color=mistyrose]However, much has happened that we all need to discuss.[/color]"

This time, Shion scoffed. "[color=deepskyblue]Only one thing has happened: Zodiark's freedom. I'll be blunt: we failed. However, I don't think sitting around waiting for either Levi or Venat to strike would do us any good. We also need to go about fully purifying Miss Emiri before they come back for her.[/color]"

Now it was Emiri's turn to scowl. "[color=pink]I'd appreciate it if you didn't talk about me like I'm some sort of tool. I'm right here--you can talk [I]to[/I] me.[/color]" She said.

"[color=deepskyblue]You'll have to forgive my phrasing, but as always, I like to get straight to the point,[/color]" Shion was rather quick to reply. "[color=deepskyblue]I don't care how it happened, the fact is that what's done is done. I've done my best to sharpen Jaakuna as a weapon against Venat--it's about time the rest of you do the same. Even so, you're still a liability.[/color]"

"[color=mistyrose]Shion...[/color]" Emette said, shaking her head.

The woman sighed. To their surprise, however, Emiri was the one to speak, "[color=pink]No, she's right. But rather than point fingers, I want to make it so that I'm not a liability anymore. I want to be someone that can be counted on rather than the cause of misery. Gods know I've been on a streak of messes--even Levi said so,[/color]" Emiri said, more determined. "[color=pink]I implore you for your assistance.[/color]"

"[color=deepskyblue]That's the kind of attitude I can get behind. Good to see your confidence rising,[/color]" Shion noted, pleased.