[CENTER][img]https://i.postimg.cc/L5GsZ5sv/a195ca2580892c2f64767511da4ce176.png
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[color=gray]Location: Just outside the Jotunheim => 'Tekeri' encampment.[/color][/CENTER]

Nellara heard Ixtaro's words in silence, simply nodding in understanding as she mentioned that regardless of Nellara's words, they were already part of the conflict. While that was technically correct, Nellara didn't see a need for the humans to actively make part of the conflict. 

[color=d3c28b]"I understand. I merely ask for caution regarding pointing your weapons..."[/color] Nellara said, replying to Ixtaro as she asked for a bit of time for the humans to organize themselves and Vigdis as she explained the reason for her being so cautious. While she did sound rather understanding of the humans' situation, there was still a warning hidden in Nellara's words. A subtle warning, but a warning nonetheless. Just like the humans wouldn't like them pointing their weapons at them, the same was true for Nellara and her group.

While she already had a suspicion about it, Ixtaro was quick to confirm to Nellara that the humans had their own hierarchy, with Zeynep at it's top as it seemed. The idea of having to deal with Silbermine again wasn't one Nellara enjoyed, but she could understand why the humans wanted that. Not only to try and avoid a war happening a few meters away from their ship but also to know both 'sides' of the story. Still, understanding their reason didn't make Nellara less annoyed by it.

[color=d3c28b]"Very well, a meeting will be arranged. Just be ready. Some Mythadians, especially those like Silbermine, can be incredibly hard to deal with."[/color] she replied with a heavy sigh.

[color=d3c28b]"The Ascension has no royalty nor an 'official' religion and bloodlines, inheritances and the such were abolished many years ago.  Instead of being ruled by kings or nobles, it is led by an Archmagister, who keeps their position not thanks to a law, rule or religion, but solely based on their competence. Especially since any citizen is free to approach the Archmagister and challenge them for their position."[/color] Nellara said, explaining a bit more about the Ascendancy after Ixtaro requested her to do so and especially as Vigdis mentioned that the humans and the Tekeri might be more similar than she had thought.

[color=d3c28b]"For centuries, the Ascendancy has been led by Archmagister Vyana, who maintained her position without being defeated a single time in all thirteen times she was challenged. It was thanks to her judgement, her intelligence and her competence that the Ascension is what it is now, as the Archmagister Vyana was herself the one responsible for unifying our kingdom, outlawing bloodlines, inheritances and shaping it into the meritocracy that it is today."[/color] Nellara explained. Even for Ixtaro, it was quite clear in her voice and expression as she talked about the Archmagister that Nellara was incredibly proud of her leader.

[color=d3c28b]"In the Ascendancy, one's position must be earned with their own skills and effort. There are no nobles, no bloodlines and no inheritance. The child of a Magister and the child of a construction worker are evaluated the same by the Ascendancy and given the same opportunities to show their own worth."[/color] Nellara completed.

While Nellara did seem to be very proud about how the Ascendancy worked, her words would also give the humans a small hint of how ruthless and harsh the Tekeri society was regarding failure. There was no sympathy nor compassion for those who failed. 

[hr]

On the next few days, under the request of the humans, Gar'Tan helped them to know more about Kanth-Aremek, sharing knowledge and more importantly, helping the humans to understand their language, so they wouldn't need a thought mage to communicate themselves.
Even from outside, it was quite obvious to notice that the humans were incredibly busy inside the ship. Loud noises from the ship being repaired betrayed only part of the issues humans were dealing with inside their ship.

For Nellara, the following days seemed to be equally as busy. Not only she had to plan and strategize for a possible confrontation, including factoring the terrain, possible usage of mages by Silbermine and his forces and even think about the political consequences behind his actions... Including trying to figure out if Mythadia's king knew what was happening or not.
Besides all that, Nellara also had to constantly watch Silbermine's camp, hoping her reinforcements would arrive before Silbermine's.

After three days of the humans having retreated to their ship, Vigdis was the first to approach Nellara's camp, using the bracelet the humans called a 'wristpad' to talk in S'toric. Apparently, Gar'Tan's collaboration with the humans had paid off.

[color=d3c28b]"I assume their... 'wristpad' does automatically translate our words as well, right?"[/color] Nellara asked, looking to her group before she turned to Vigdis again.

[color=d3c28b]"Vigdis, I understand you perfectly well. Can you clearly understand me?"[/color] Nellara asked, speaking her words in a clear and steady pace.