Lunise gave Nytala a nod, took a deep breath, and then stepped through right behind Meesei.

She had barely a moment to readjust to the familiar and comparatively dim yellow-walled study before the portal shut and went silent behind them.

In front of them, Pircalmo, the academic Altmer that Lunise and Meesei had not seen since nearer to the beginning of their closeness, stood halfway out of his chair with an open book resting on one palm. He had his brow knitted and mouth open, grasping desperately to say anything.

"Lunise?" He breathed, astonished. "And you! Meesei, the diplomat...w-what-? How did...?"

"I apologise for barging in, father," Lunise said calmly. Only the last red vestiges of her previous tears hinted at her prior emotional state. She clasped her hand, holding the letter in her fingers. "I know this may be confusing. We...The details are hardly the most pressing matter."

Pircalmo stood up and sighed. "No, no, I should apologise. You surprised me, that's all." He leaned to look around Lunise's shoulder. "I have not seen that spell in some time, and it raises a great number of questions, I must say."