Marod and Sabine both enjoyed their first look at Alinor in turn. Sabine was so entranced by the sight that she did not remember to sit down until Meesei was in position.

The responses to Meesei's transformation varied between blank, confused, and alarmed. The escorting battlemages called it out and immediately scrambled to conjure flickering, half-present swords into their hands. "Stand down!" Siloune barked immediately. The mages reluctantly dismissed their weapons into nothing. Siloune gave no hint as to her thoughts on her face, except to imply that she was no more intimidated by Meesei's imposing werewolf form than the portraits in the previous meeting room would have been.

Teroiah, on the other hand, threw back her hood and paced angrily to her position in the arena, half a stone's throw away from Meesei. Unlike the fearful guards near the stands, she was furious. "Do you intend to insult me, lycanthrope!? This is a duel to first blood! That matted pelt will not protect you, neither will your ugly form! I have heard of your reputation in the arcane arts" -- She jabbed a gloved finger towards the ground -- "I demand you bring them to this duel! I am not one of your ilk here to wrestle and bite like a savage."

Marod leaned towards Sabine as well. "I rather agree with the sentiment of your ally here. I am unsure how practical the beast form will be in this particular instance."

Vera looked on, crossed her arms, and failed to hide a smirk.

After all this, Sabine overcame her nerves enough to answer. "It's a plan. Just wait."