Again, Vreta let out a sigh, speaking quietly to Freyr. “Freyr, I [i]wish[/i] it was rhetoric. If it was just rhetoric, I wouldn’t be so damn worried. Every word I said, I say with reason, because I want to make sure it never happens. Ever since the start of this project, the Rothian part of this team has been given the run-around, had information withheld from us, and had certain steps taken without our agreement. I know Rareth isn’t going to tolerate that any more. We have an agreement to be equal partners, and she’s going to demand everything that implies. You know that is not how I would want to do things, and I’ve…advised her as much as I can, but she can be uncompromising.”

Eventually, Vreta’s coffee finished brewing and he took it cautiously in his hands. It was still clearly far too hot to drink, so he waited on it for now. “I know it’s not a pleasant thing for the team to hear, but they need to hear it all the same. Everyone needs to be on the same page, and we all need to understand the stakes. What happens now is important, and it really can’t wait. Even Rareth still wants to be allies, but she won’t stand for being mistreated. We all need to do everything we can to make sure this project continues as a cooperative venture.”