Galadon did not flinch beneath Maia's gaze, continuing to regard her with all the gravity of his position. When she had finished, he nodded. "We will consider all you have said. Go then, Maia Ulduvai, and we will have an answer for you tomorrow."<br/><br/>An answer that Celeste hope to influence. That the governor-general seemed convinced was a good sign, but the discussion the following day promised to be more lively. If Magus Legrand and a majority of the commanders opposed the expedition, it would be a battle as fierce as that fought earlier.<br/><br/>But there was another concern more pressing, that Maia seemed intent on leaving the outpost.<br/><br/>The door opened and one of the guards stepped inside, leaving a path for Maia to exit the room, and bowed. "Magus, a message from the temple of Sarenrae."<br/><br/>Magus Legrand accepted the note and the frown still creasing her face deepened. "They have been unsuccessful. I cannot imagine what the gods cannot cure, but reason may succeed where prayers did not. I must see to this personally."<br/><br/>Celeste knew what would come next- being asked to help. Drained as she was, expending more magic in research seemed impossible, even if it was to save a man's life. She rose to her feet, and gave her superior an apologetic glance. "I have tried to aid Malhar and could do no better," she said. "And I'm of no use, like this. I'll see to our guest, instead. Governor, Magus." A slight bow, and then she was striding from the room in pursuit of Maia.<em>Thank you for alienating our ally, magus,</em>she thought.<em>But if you remedy the trouble I caused, I'll remedy yours.</em><br/><br/>She caught her in the hallway. "Maia? Please don't tell me you intend to leave the outpost altogether." She looked to the other woman uncertainly.<br/>