While not in despair, Lunise was not so quick to be convinced of Meesei's chances. She took a moment of idle thought to put together her response. When she did, she slowly walked behind Meesei's chair and bent down to wrap her arms around her shoulders so she could speak close to her ear.

"I will not lie to you, Meesei," she murmured. "You are a powerful mage who defeated, in a duel, someone more magically capable than Teroiah in a general sense." She tapped a finger on the side of Meesei's neck. "But...do not be so certain. Teroiah is a specialist. She was a formidable magical duelist even by the time I was born. She has broken the wards of the most powerful Dremora that served Mehrunes Dagon. She has broken more wards than most elves in their lives. She has...her own way of doing things. And I am not certain that the trick you used against Neesa would work against her. She is too decisive and canny." Lunise's tone shifted to be less serious. "And she is a woman I have respected all my life, even if my respect for her is unrequited."