The gravity of the letter's contents made Meesei's visage stoic and severe almost on reflex. Even without the Emperor right in front of her to see her read it, she was not keen on giving away any of her thoughts as she processed it. In many ways, the letter was good news, even with its caveats. Certainly, there was nothing present within that would make a deal unfavorable, if it meant being able to stop Vile. Indeed, Meesei would have been willing to accept much worse terms to ensure Vile's defeat. The greatest issue for her, of course, would be convincing Imperial clans of the need. Not all would be opposed, but she foresaw some arguments ahead of her. Fortunately, it would not be until after the war that the more serious issues would likely arise. 

Meesei was still looking at the letter when she finally spoke. "You are certainly a persuasive one, Marod, I shall grant you that." She commented as she neatly folded up the letter again. She would not be the only one that needed to read it. "And I suppose I can give you an answer, Lunise. It seems that the Empire will be willing to engage in dialogue with your people. As I will need to as soon as I can. There is much for me to think about in this, but...the important part is that we have half of our army. Now we just need the rest."

Meesei focused more directly on Marod. "I have a point-of-contact in the form of an Imperial Legate, but something tells me that he shall not be staying in my clan. Do you think that Saras was correct, and that you will be a more...long-term guest here? Having had time to think about it, I do think that it would be beneficial to have you here." She said, giving a glance to Lunise as well. "Both of you. You are capable diplomats, and familiar faces to many of those who may require persuasion."

[hr]

Ri'kalesh was nothing if not patient, though he was far from being forgiving based only on what he had heard so far. There was one sign of success, at least, in the fact that he was not dismissing what she said outright. His expression was critical, but he was listening to her, quite closely. "So your mission was not even focused on the General, you say? Ri'kalesh has not heard of this 'Yerig', but he sounds to be an honorable man. He is also not this one's concern."

"Ri'kalesh knows what happens to Vile's captives. You do not need to describe it for him to know what happened to you. What he does not know is why this has happened. What has made Do'rhajul worthy of his continued life? Ri'kalesh knows you, Sabine. He knows who you are, and he knows you are not going to act without reason. What is that reason?" Ri'kalesh asked.