Ariel grinned. "Knowing Ahnasha and Fendros, I had a feeling little Rhazii would be just as unstoppable." She closed her smile. "As much as he takes after his parents, however, I hope he will grow up to take care of a more peaceful world."

The conversation paused when Rukeewei presented his food. Everyone was curious to hear what he had prepared, though the initial reactions were varied.

"Mmm, I do love this dish," Ariel began. "It has a refreshing tang to it." She leant to one side. "Danee darling, could you please zip upstairs and let your sisters know dinner is ready?"

Danee gave a big nod and hurried around the dividers to climb the staircase.

Meanwhile, Sabine and Karl were politely smiling, but looking at their food quiet and hesitant. Karl reached out to take one and held it very close to his face.

"I've never eaten slugs before," he said. The corner of his mouth twisted when he discerned the indigo slug's 'beard.'

A wet squish sounded as Sabine bit into one, holding her other hand cupped under her chin to catch what might drip away. Her eyes lit up. She chewed and looked at Karl until she swallowed. "Try it. It is better than chaurus."

Karl peered around. He could perceive enough movement to see Ariel already halfway through another one of the slugs. He breathed out and bit a third of the morsel as quickly as he could. The way he chewed betrayed his unease with the texture, though he did not indicate any desire to spit the food out. "It tastes good," he said through his mouthful. "Not what I am used to, but much better than I thought."

[hr]
Gro-Tagnud's eyes went to Teroiah -- the only other individual in the room with lived experience waging war on Daedra.

Teroiah was neutrally sour but her head head angled away in an odd manner. "Excepting bands of Dremora, Daedric formations in the Oblivion Crisis were loose to non-existent. They relied heavily upon brute physical and magical force with occasional disruptive elements, such as spider daedra and the like. Against the more bestial creatures, such as Clannfears and Daedroths, it was sufficient to break their charges with a phalanx of longspears supported by battlemages capable of slowing or halting them in their tracks. Destructive and protective magic of every form was required in each unit to counter Atronachs which harried them from near and far. Elite elements were many, Xivilai and higher ranking Dremora alike. They are only to be challenged by harrying skirmishers working with either overwhelming magical force or the most skilled of fighters. Preferably all at once."

"I notice you didn't mention Skaafin," Gro-Tagnud asked flatly. "What is it they do?"

Teroiah did not appreciate Gro-Tagnud's curiosity. "Rather a similar case to the Dremora," she hissed. "They differ in personality, but we have notes on the more pertinent differences."