<strong>Eshalu - in the Matriarch's lair</strong><br/><br/>Throughout the negotiations between Aeryn, Reliyian and the Saurian matriarch, Eshalu remained alert. The contents of the discussion was not her main concern. She would leave such details to those who were expert in matters of lore and could understand the subtler forms of the motivations of the Saurians. For her part, Eshalu knew that the great matriarch before her had its own brood's best interests at heart. Their presence was necessarily the prelude to some larger plan she hoped either of her more scholarly companions could discern. This Cold Mother clearly had a sharp mind and a length and depth of experience perhaps spanning thousands of seasons. It had survived for long enough to know how to continue to do so. For those reasons alone, Eshalu remained on her guard.<br/><br/>"The Far-Seer, my kin-sister speaks true, Cold Mother," Eshalu said when Reliyian had finished speaking, "I know the spirits of this place wish us ill, but our quarrel is neither with them nor with you. Thus far, you have shown us hospitality and know that it is not the custom of my People to repay it with betrayal."<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Comment: Empathy check aiming to convince Rhiss that her suspicions are unwarranted<br/>Result: 2, 2, 6, 2,<br/>Net result: <strong>+0</strong> (-2 dice rolls, +2Empathy skill</div></div>