After her night borrowing the Ring of Hircine, Sabine made the most of the pack's short down time. She split it between spending time with Karl, liaising with the scholars to be kept abreast of their work and to contribute where she could, and finally spending some evenings late perusing Meesei's notes. She doubted that Meesei would disallow her access to them even if they had not been offered, but she saw them now as a new opportunity. Doubtless the knowledge within them would assist her in the future when she had the time to implement it.

In turn, Janius went about his duties as needed. He frequently visited Kaleeth until she was recovered enough to emerge from bed, but made sure to seek out Julan as well. He wanted to make up for the time they would spend separated and the stress they had put him under. Along the way, he caught up with Fendros regarding Rhazii. The news earned Rhazii some encouragement from his uncle, and Janius made arrangements for people to be available to keep an eye on Julan if Rhazii should range out while the pack was away.

As for Rhazii himself, he threw all he had into training his magical and martial skills. Though only fifteen years old, he proved himself capable of joining a militia scout party that patrolled Blackreach and, with his parents' blessing, was due to patrol in just over a fortnight. He appeared more energetic and confident after every day of training with his party. Fendros speculated that the new friends and independence were the cause. However, he suspected that Rhazii was in for a less stimulating time than he might be expecting with a simple patrol.

[hr]
Meesei's portal opened up, as it usually did, in a orderly and clean bedroom. This time, the masonry was brighter and more yellow than the room in northern Valenwood that Meesei had seen her prior. The familiar uniformed shape of Lunise was in front of a standing mirror, partway through removing her cowl. She turned around to show her practiced scowl, though her eyes were lit up. A small smile curled on her face.

"Ah, Meesei, I am glad you arrived," Lunise said. She stepped up and embraced Meesei, kissing her eagerly. When she pulled away, she breathed a sigh of satisfaction. "With the amount of time I have spent humouring that air-headed wife of the governor of Arenthia, I thought I would go mad." She laid one more firm and enthusiatic kiss on the end of Meesei's snout. "So, tell me, how goes the search for the axe?"

[hr]
Fendros raised his brow and stopped. "Ah, greetings, Saras," he said. He put a hand on his hip. "If...your information is for the pack, I can receive it. As for speaking for them, that depends what you require me to say." Fendros looked up and down the courtyard. "Would you prefer to speak privately? I can find the others if it would be appropriate. The pack, that is. Meesei may be away on business if you could not find her."