It was clear that Kaleeth would not have actually said anything had Janius not pushed her to, but when placed on the spot, she relented. "Um, yes, well, I wanted to ask about...maybe arranging to commune with the Hist. I understand if you can't, since you might not have enough sap on hand. But...it's just that I was never able to say goodbye to my mother..."

Thorantilth gave a solemn nod. "I understand, Kaleeth. You do not need to say any more. There is enough sap. In fact, the Hist was...strangely generous with the amount they gave us recently. My son can help you, after we get started here. I promise, he is just as much of a Treeminder as I am."

[hr]

Ahnasha's reaction to Rossarm's show of power might have seemed a surprise to most who did not know her well, but for those more familiar, it was not too much of a stretch. Rossarm's ability was evidently greater than she had guessed for an old man living in a vineyard, but rather than slinking away, she was still every bit as ready at willing to meet his challenge head-on. To Fendros, she might have seemed almost [i]eager[/i] for it. To reach the greatest heights of strength possible and to become the strongest out of any challenger was one of the foundations of Hircine's worship, and ultimately, Ahnasha was still a fervent follower of Hircine. If it was to be necessary, she was ready to meet him blow-for-blow. Before Calia's intervention, her hands, and most of her arms, were glowing and swirling with violet tendrils of magicka, ready to be formed into who-knows how many portals from Oblivion that Ahnasha was prepared to bring forth. When it was all over and both of them had stood down, much to the benefit of the forest around them that might have been burned down by a clash between them, Fendros might have noticed a tinge of short-lived disappointment in her expression. 

While Ahnasha perhaps caught up in the moment, the confrontation did have its impact on some of the others. S'nashi was sobbing and being consoled by Gwindir, who was himself in fear. Vasiq had backed up ten paces from the group, and only Shevari looked strangely calm out of the group. Ahnasha, however, was just focused on watching Rossarm walk away, and making sure he did not suddenly turn around. "You have my thanks, Calia. It is best for everyone [i]that[/i] did not come to violence. He is a powerful mage, almost as much as..." Ahnasha's words trailed off as her thoughts caught up to them, and several possibilities passed through her mind. "Fendros, I need to speak with you in private. Soon. And likely with you as well afterwards, Calia. I cannot say more other than to stress that it is more important than you could likely imagine."