[center][h3][color=#b3ccff]Esben Mathiassen[/color][/h3][/center]
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[color=#b3ccff]"Perhaps because she knows something of the trial that would inherently remove its challenge,"[/color] Esben supplied in response to Miina's musing. He'd kept silent as the Grovemasters deliberated amongst themselves, his thoughts darting between the reactions that had been presented and the need to explain 'judicious' in terms more [i]normal[/i] than what Éliane likely thought in.

Izayoi had been right that at least two of the Grovemasters had their minds set the second the party entered the room—likely the entire trio did, if he had to guess. One xenophobic and combative in a way to make a Skaeller border guard proud; one intent on maintaining the image of neutrality, all measured words and a calm face as he made his own wish to wash his hands of the group clear, and the third who had made her mind to at least actively listen and consider what was being said. Likely the only one that had any care for [i]why[/i] Neve had chosen to seek the Kirins out again, rather than bristling at her choice in defiance of their edicts.

[color=#b3ccff]"Well. Maybe this will mark a turn towards some [i]proactive[/i] defense of Drana Asnaeu's neutrality, then,"[/color] he remarked, still eyeing the eldest of Brightlam's rulers. [color=#b3ccff]"I'm sure everybody here would hate to see your forests wither, your wildlife and spirits turned against the people, [i]ja?[/i] Perhaps, Master Zacharias, you should pray for our success, in this trial and the rest to come? The prayer of the righteous avails much, after all. Maybe that way you won't have to rely on these [i]demons[/i] and [i]warmongers[/i] for help for long."[/color]