Fendros' ears twinged at Meesei's comment. Rossarm's response was predictable enough.

"If you see fit to put me in a position of command, Legion or the Dominion subordinates would be best suited. My training and experience is with rigid command."

Teroiah spoke up next with less patience. "Assessing your leadership will take time and preparation. I, for one, am eager to learn the extent of your magical prowess." She leant her elbows on the table and weaved her hands up under her chin. "I trust the intervening time since your flight from Morrowind has not degraded your skills?"

Rossarm lowered and raised his chin firmly. "I will need practice to properly make efficient larger scale destructions and alterations. However, I can assure you, Altmer, that you will require to pick from your best if you wish to find one who would defeat me." A hint of disgust showed in Rossarm's lips as he referred to the commander by her race.

For her part, Teroiah only narrowed her eyes. A much more tempered response than being challenged by Meesei, though whether that was because her prior defeat had been humbling or because of wider biases remained untold.

[hr]
Janius turned with Julan away from the water. "We have that wish too, your mother and I," he said. "All of us being together in peace."

He did not elaborate. Janius knew Julan understood why they had trouble doing so. All the same, he could not blame Julan for his worrying about them.

"It's hard to say," Janius answered regretfully. "We're doing everything we can to tip the scales in our favour, but...It's always possible that something bad could happen. That's the risk we have to take by fighting. We're quite tough, though. Your mother especially."