The extra effort came with no protest for Marod. He changed into practical clothing with no expense left unpaid in fine embroidery. A green doublet and trousers framed by the same belt and sword he wore when Meesei and Lunise first saw him enter their waiting room

The ramifications of Meesei's magic left Marod, however, left him unsure. He was still at first, looking sternly into the portal like something was about to spring out of it.

"Marod, it is only magic," Lunise said through a sigh.

Marod turned to see Lunise hand in hand with Meesei. Meesei's other hand was still outstretched to him.

Lunise exhaled, running out of patience. "Would you end your ape-like gawking and come with us? We have been waiting too long already!"

"Of course, of course," Marod said. After an uneasy laugh, he took Meesei's hand and followed the pair into the sphere.

Marod's first reaction to their destination was to the gates of the Silent City, when he and Lunise let Meesei's hands go. "Oh! You indeed were hiding in..." He trailed off as his eyes processed the distance to the dots of glowing blue fungus on the cavern ceiling. His face turned all the way up and around. He barely stepped to keep his balance. "...Ooooh...Now this is new. This is [i]very[/i] new."

His fingers covered his mouth. He muffled his mumblings to himself, though he was clearly trying to deduce where they were. Words like 'Dwemer,' 'Mundus,' and 'Gems' could be heard.

Lunise was looking up at the city and the around the cavern as well, likely in some effort to appear amazed without overplaying it. However, Marod appeared too amazed to pay her any heed.

"I...fear I may need to start writing down all the questions I have for you Meesei," Marod concluded. "I, however, do not wish to be rude. I'm sure the matters you invited me for are more pressing." He straightened and looked directly to Meesei. "If you could indulge me just one question, though." He smiled and narrowed an eye. "How close did we come to finding this place when we first met your representatives?"