Hal-Neesa, oddly enough, looked to be mildly amused by Teroiah's retort. "Hmph, pride. You still do not understand the reality of the situation you are in, do you? I suppose it doesn't really matter. When it comes time, you won't be able to run from that reality. You will confront it, and either learn, or perish."

Neesa turned her attention back towards the map, readying her pointer once more. "Since I trust you now all understand the risks my presence presents, we can make a plan that best mitigates that risk. Examine the map, decide what terrain suits you best for the approach. I will move with the main body of your forces and draw in the majority of the enemy's attention. I will have a few hundred undead thralls accompanying me. I trust this will not be a problem?"

[hr]

In slight contrast to Lunise, the Loremaster's response was friendly and even somewhat casual in tone, even if his words themselves were formal. "Indeed, you are quite correct. It was no small discussion among the council on whether or not to allow your visit, but in the end, it was decided that circumstances made it...beneficial to permit. Were it that I had more time, I would show you the courtesy of a proper host, but there are several matters I must attend to. Master Marcaano has one small, but important matter to speak with you about, and of course there is your...purpose for being here."

As he stepped to the side, the Loremaster gestured back towards the others behind him. Now that they were closer, they had all come clearly into view. There were two Altmer and one Human, though all wore nearly identical Psijic robes. The moment the Loremaster had moved aside, the Altmer woman on the right stepped forward and lowered her hood. For Lunise, there would not be even the slightest delay in identifying her. Her mother's face appeared [i]exactly[/i] as it had the last time she had saw her, having apparently not aged a day in any of the intervening centuries. She did not speak at first, but the single tear down her cheek broke her long, stoic stare. With no further hesitation, she embraced Lunise, no doubt giving answers to half of her questions or fears without so much as uttering a word.