"Sensible." Meesei replied with a quick nod. "I could spend all day describing my men's discipline and professionalism, but firsthand experience would be far better. Ri'vashi would also be the best person to join in that conversation. If you are not opposed to leaving the Imperial City, I can take you see our forces in person whenever you wish. I understand you may not be able to do so right at this moment, but if you give me a time, then either myself, or another member of my pack can take you there in an instant."

Meesei leaned back from the table and started gathering up the documents that gro-Tagnud had given her. "I would offer to wait here if there is any business you need to take care of first, but unfortunately, I have much to do in a short amount of time. After I leave here, I am going to have the Axe empowered. I will not lie, there is risk involved, but I am willing to take that risk upon myself. Should I fail, I will be sure to have the location of the Axe sent to you so that you might reclaim it and try again."

[hr]

"Oh, all kinds." Kaleeth replied. "Meesei did try to teach me magic for a while, but I was never any good at that. I did conjure up a fireball once. Burned Janius' rear end." She laughed loudly, then cleared her throat before continuing. 

"Well, for the most part, it was just combat training. All sorts of techniques, stances, swings. Things they've probably been teaching you; just a lot of it. It's so hard to realize when you're getting better. At first, I remember that I started out with a mace. I wasn't very, um, dexterous or agile, but I could hit things really, [i]really[/i] hard. So, that's what I did. They gave me a mace and a shield, and I started to practice how to use my strength to my advantage. I think that's really what it took for me: finding the thing I was good [i]enough[/i] at to make it really worth it to focus on. I use a sword now, but I admit, I still don't think I have [i]that[/i] much finesse. Not compared to someone like your mother, or even Janius. But, I'm good at being a strong, steady force on the battlefield. With a big shield and a steel suit surrounding me, I really feel...confident in a fight. I don't think anyone has ever just outright overpowered me. Arrows don't scare me, blades can't threaten me very well. I can really just be a...center for our pack."