At first, Neesa's only reply was a brief few seconds of laughter, followed by an almost friendly pat on Fendros' shoulder. "Oh, don't worry, mutt. I'm not going to [i]smite[/i] him for his insolence, or some such overly-dramatic nonsense. No, you really do have no idea how much I [i]enjoy[/i] this. Besides, you have all taken the time to gather here, and clearly you think that this is important enough to delay my work..."

In an instant, Hal-Neesa's entire demeanor shifted. She grabbed a hold of Fendros' collar and yanked him close, her glowing eyes piercing straight into his with the most direct display of rage that she had shown so far. "...so I will be merciful enough to overlook the fact that you neglected to inform me sooner." 

Neesa shoved Fendros away and regained her composure just as quickly as she had lost it. "We might be able to use him, but that is far from being able to say that we [i]need[/i] him. One mortal will not decide the war; the greatest advantage I see to having him here is that he [i]is[/i] rather handsome." She grinned. 

Despite the rather bizarre turn of Neesa's statement, Meesei kept her focus. "Whether we can or cannot succeed without him, it is a simple fact that exceptional individuals can turn the tides of a battle through their own influence. I seem to recall you, during one of your last meetings, regaling us with a tale of how your commanders would personally challenge important enemy targets and decide the outcome of your battles almost by themselves."

Hal-Neesa gave a different sort of grin towards Meesei. Her feelings were hard to decipher, but she at least had not turned to anger again. "Hmm, using my own words against me? Bold."

The vampire strode up to the center of the training area, rather close to both Rossarm and Teroiah. "I am certain you will not measure up to [i]them[/i], but I suppose you may at least be tested. I am guessing that the Altmer was about to perform that task? That will no longer be necessary, Thalmor. You may have a seat." 

[hr]

Lorag was out in the courtyard of the Silent City. He had planned on using the training area outside, but even through the crowd that was gathering, he could see that the Champion and some of the others had appropriated it. On most days, he would have wanted to see what was going on, but now, he was not in the mood to deal with it. He had other concerns on his mind. As soon as he had learned that Fendros and Ahnasha had returned, he took the time to find not them, but rather Rhazii. As soon as he had tracked down the young Cathay, he "politely" insisted that he follow Lorag for reasons that he left vague and likely confusing. 

Nevertheless, Lorag headed across the courtyard with Rhazii in tow, towards an area close to the front gate, where Narsi was waiting. The moment he reached the girl, he gestured to the Khajiit beside him. Being that he was as large or larger than many of the adults in the city, Rhazii hardly appeared to be a child to anyone unfamiliar with Cathay. "Okay, this is one of the boys I told you about. His name's Rhazii, and I expect it'll take you longer to best him than it will his brother." Lorag explained, though he offered no explanation to Rhazii for who the Orc girl was or what he was talking about.