Sil looked almost uncertain as Miyuki asked.  It was strange, for the first time in the very short while, it seemed that the elven magus was uncertain about what it was she wanted to say.  She looked away, off to the west, where Miyuki assumed the portal had been.  She drew a deep breath and held it for a moment before returning her gaze to Miyuki and slowly letting it out.<strong> "I find myself at a momentary impasse Miyuki.  To say that we failed would not be accurate exactly.  Certainly the portal remained closed, in that sense we failed.  But knowledge was my prime motivation for coming, and that, we most certainly did gain."</strong><br/><br/>She moved towards Miyuki and took her hands in her own delicate slender elven hands.<strong>"I've gained first hand knowledge with some of the ancient structures of this place, how they were designed, and some magic so ancient it predates the fading.  Did we achieve what we set out to do?  No, not yet at least."</strong><br/><br/>She smiled and squeezed Miyuki's hands,<strong>"But to ask if it was all for naught?  No, certainly not.  We hit a minor stumble, but we gained from it.  We can return at a later date armed with a better understanding, in that sense, we have acheived a great victory."</strong><br/><br/>The sound of Etron groaning and stirring drew both of their attention for a moment as slowly he raised one hand to rub at his eyes.  Sil kissed the back of Miyuki's knuckles and then released her,<strong> "I think if I spend some more time doing research, we can try again with better results.  Better defenses against the ancient magic.  You understand, yes?"</strong>