Fendros' small space for a response was filled easily. "At least you can trust Steel-Heart to be upfront," he commented.

Satisfied with their talk, Fendros smiled and bowed his head to the Dunmer leader. "Enjoy the feast, my friend." With that, he stood to pour himself another drink.

In contrast, Sabine remained frowning at Geran and his reasoning. She let him speak, if only to keep herself from saying or doing anything rash. The words he put in not only Meesei's mouth but her own only inflamed her. She said nothing as he got the last word and went back to his seat.

Sabine took her wine cup and brought it back to her seat in a poor mood.

Lunise looked to be far less enthused to be seated beside Marod during the feast. Granted, she was not enthused by most things in public, though her posture had remained at least one measure more rigid since Marod assumed himself next to her. Naturally, Marod was doing most of the talking with the delegates around him. He managed to keep the topics mostly in the realms of the mundane. Good humour, witty stories, and small talk about family and everyday life dominated the conversation, growing louder as more wine and ale was downed.

Marod laughed as soon as he processed Meesei's question. He twisted in his seat to address her. "Would that I could forget at all! It has dominated my every waking moment outside of this place. Rest assured, I have been providing information to the right people and..." He made odd gestures with his arms. "...have been setting the right wheels into motion, so to speak."

Lunise regarded Meesei with only a sideways look. She was more collected and certainly not as tipsy as Marod. "It is all in progress. I have had partial success so far. However, being careful with showing how much I know, such progress is slow."

"Ah, did you need to speak with us about this now, Meesei?" Marod asked. He pointed over his shoulder. "I have had my fill. We could step away for a moment, if it pleases you."

Sabine wasn't hungry anymore. She stared at the cold leftovers of her meal with trouble in her eyes, not adding much to the ongoing conversations. It was not just her trying to calm down after Geran's insolence that drained her energy. It was all the other matters becoming solid around her. She glanced up at Ri'kalesh and Ri'vashi. She was scared to set off Rhazii again. She also began to notice all the whispers amongst the cliques of clan delegates and leaders. She just wished they would line up one at a time and be upfront rather than let things fester under the surface.

As soon as Sabine noticed Janius and Fendros pick up on her social withdrawal, Sabine stood up and went around the table. She stopped behind Ri'kalesh and pulled his shoulder to gently confront him without him shrinking away and looked him in the eyes.

"I want to talk to you," Sabine stated. Her knee shivered involuntarily. "Please."