Seeing that the first course was nearing completion for most of the group, Rukeewei excused himself momentarily to get up and serve them the next one. Meesei, meanwhile, was grinning towards Ariel. "Oh, I can certainly sympathize with you on that account. I do remember when I realized that Sabine was no longer a child. It is a...strange feeling, overall. It is your entire goal as a parent to raise a child who can take on and thrive against the challenges of the world you are raising them into, and yet you still dread the day you succeed. For me, it was like building a home, yet I never wanted to see it finished. Yet, whether you want it or not, that day does come. Just try not to dread it too much, and be sure to cherish all of the moments you do have." 

The next dish that Rukeewei brought out might have seemed even stranger than the first, if only because it was more immediately recognizable by its appearance. The centerpiece of their dinner, coiled up in the middle of each of their plates, were snakes. Although, much like the slugs, there was more to them than what they could see from the outside. "So, this next one is a variant on nagahssee. That is, um, how would I translate that...snake roll, I think works well. Some types I do not think would be too palatable to outsiders, but I think this one is better. It is a snake skin, stuffed with a variety of steamed vegetables, fish, and of course, snake meat. With a side of pumpkin stew." 

[hr]

While Ri'vashi did feel justified in her growing resentment for Hal-Neesa, that did little to help the current situation. To Ri'vashi, she was a snake and a manipulator, but her experience showed through without a doubt. With just a few arguments to cast doubt over their minds, she had already twisted Teroiah's mind into giving her exactly what she wanted, all while making Teroiah think it was [i]her[/i] idea, and her choice. Neesa was playing to her reading of their personalities, and was doing it well. The Legate General seemed to be a rational sort, but Ri'vashi could not think of an argument against Neesa that would not require them to take on faith that Hircine would be more trustworthy with Vile's power than Molag Bal. Or, more accurately, trust that it would be less risky to give more power to Hircine, rather than spreading the power between him an a known evil like Molag Bal. As much as Ri'vashi wanted to fight against it, stirring up an argument now would be unlikely to work, and would cause more harm than good. 

"Ri'vashi does not support it...but she has no useful arguments to add. The daedra will make our attack easier, Ri'vashi cannot deny it. She is sure you understand the risks of strengthening a Daedra like Molag Bal." She said, turning her gaze to stare daggers through Hal-Neesa's eyes. "Just remember, much of this 'power' we are discussing are the souls of lycan dead, trapped by Vile. Your master will [i]not[/i] touch them, and that is [i]not[/i] negotiable." 

For the briefest of moments, the look in Neesa's eyes betrayed her satisfaction upon Ri'vashi's reaction. "Oh, I'm sure he wouldn't even think about it. Actually, that's a lie; he definitely would. But, your master will hold a much stronger claim over their souls. It would be a waste of Molag Bal's time to focus on them."

Without wasting a moment, nor giving Ri'vashi any more time for input, Neesa continued. "Now with that out of the way, this is something we can actually start to form a [i]strategy[/i] around. The stones will be best placed in locations with at least somewhat tangible liminal fractures. Between realms of Oblivion, such imperfections in the barriers between realms are common. Any average conjurer should be able to detect them. The lycans have those flying beasts: the werevultures, bats, and the like. They will make for adequate scouts to locate Clavicus Vile himself, and identify potential dark anchor sites along the path to him. Molag Bal will not be able to simply call down every anchor at once, but you will be able to fight from anchor site to anchor site, calling in reinforcements at each one until you reach Vile. Or until you die, but preferably the former."