Ashlynn was about to follow up on her question to Rastlan about joining the fledgling empire when she heard Dirar mention the Millstone of Time soaked in the blood of a Great Witch, and she stopped cold, turning her attention instantly to the High Lord of the Southern Steppe.
"That's a very dangerous topic, Dirar," Nyrielle said as the warmth seemed to drain from her eyes and her face became a cold, expressionless mask. "And it's one that can easily create a number of dangerous misunderstandings."
"Defying centuries of traditions is dangerous," Dirar countered. "No matter what I choose to believe, I have to give my people something they can understand. It would be one thing if we intended to unite against the humans in their next 'Holy War' or 'Crusade.' We may not want to fight a war the way humans do, but we've come to understand it, and many among my people are ready to take up arms when war reaches our doorsteps."
