They didn't trust each other.
That much was clear.
"You crossed into our lands," she said.
"You're still standing," Kael replied. "Figured that meant we weren't unwelcome."
Brenn muttered behind him, "Bold strategy."
Her eyes flicked briefly to the others.
Assessing.
Calculating.
"You bring the war closer," she said.
Kael's tone hardened.
"It was already coming."
That made her pause.
Only a moment.
Then—
"I am Lythriel."
Kael nodded once.
"Kael."
The introduction wasn't peace.
But it wasn't hostility either.
It was something new.