"Of course." Cassian affirmed, keeping his response vague. He knew, just as she did, that not everything was going as he preferred...but in general all was well. Nevermere was not at war. The kingdom was flourishing. Lorendale, too. So then, the smaller things could be forgotten in this conversation between monarchs.

"And I've seen and marveled at the progress of Arynn Frey's defenses." It was a compliment to her, of course. "Have your refugees blessed your lands?" There was a time, no doubt, when he expressed hesitance about her allowing Dresmondi to settle in her lands...but she had done as she pleased, and he sincerely hoped it was working out for the best. Cassian allowed Dresmondi to travel across the Coheed lands that Nevermere now owned, but they were not allowed past the mountain wall and they were discouraged from stopping their wheels for too long.

Cassian was pleased with the direction of this conversation. This was one of the topics he wanted to bring to her. In fact, the main course, you might say.

"We have had two Dresmondi come to our lands of late." He said it as if he could relate to what she described, but of course, Nevermere wasn't hosting them as Arynn Frey was. The kingdom of enchantments had better resources to provide for and control any potential uprisings. They also likely had a general temperament about their people that better tended to what the refugees needed.

"They would like to see Dresmond liberated from the Eldouir." He'd hesitate only for a pause, eying her. "I intend to help them." His gaze asked a question his mouth didn't: would Arynn Frey join him? Their involvement wasn't necessary, but perhaps if they did this together it would further solidify the alliance they had been enjoying for some years now.

Cassian maintained his calm composure, his face even neutral but not unpleasant as Kimora brought her warning to him. It wasn't as if he hadn't weighed the risk. In fact, he was certain that the death of his own citizens meant far more to him than it did to her. She would do well, however, to not forget the competence of his military. They had seen real battle in the last seven years and had proven themselves to be a hard-fought foe.

"We are making intentional preparations." He returned vaguely. "I also intend to rally champions from all of my kingdom's territories." He meant Coheed and Cambria, of course. They were all Nevermere now, after all.

"I agree that the Eldouir will not remain as quiet as they have forever. I hope to eradicate them once and for all, a favor done for all of Terra Nova." He tilted his head ever so slightly, considering Kimora. "I wonder if Arynn Frey would like to have a hand in this coming victory?" Perhaps she would think him arrogant for his confidence, but Cassian knew what he was doing. At least, he thought he did.

Cassian nodded his head, understanding her hesitations. He had plenty himself. That was the only reason Dresmond had remained untouched for five long years under Eldouir rule.

"Any assistance Arynn Frey finds herself willing to lend would be more than welcome. My preparations will not be finalized until spring at the earliest." He felt silent for a beat, allowing that part of the conversation to conclude before he took them to the next. "On the subject of enchantments, I wondered if I might commission something bigger than I have before. Something comparable to the wall you are putting around your kingdom, only much smaller. A shield for my castle." It would be no mystery why he would want that. He accepted the risk of individuals using magic to travel into Nevermere or even Skia, but to be able to protect the walls in which he worked and his children grew--and Kimora's daughter-in-law and eldest grandchild, too--that would be invaluable.

Cassian inwardly recoiled at her referencing Hiram as his rogue. There was a combination of shame at Nevermere's failure at that trial, mixed with a bitterness at the state of things. None of it showed on his face, however, and not a step was lost in their conversation as they casually discussed the fate of their kingdoms.

"I should like to request," Cassian said, a hint of discomfort in his voice, "a shield from portkey uses, as well. Perhaps excluding mine and my queen's... Were you aware that a citizen of yours, one Cyrus Blackwood, used a portkey to enter my garden in Skia?" He watched her closely for any indication of her knowledge. "The conversation was brief and demanding, and soon as I ascertained that he was not there at your behest I sent him away. In the weeks following I discovered just how far his reach into Nevermere went." This was the first time Cassian had to bring an issue to Kimora. A dog off its leash, you might say.