I don't know how formal it all was, [ Matt admits. ] The way I heard it, Zenith so far has not been willing to negotiate, operate in good faith, or really work with Meridian at all. I only got Meridian's side of that one, but when you look at recent events ...

A political assassination, attacking civilians. I'm inclined to believe them. Though destroying Shards has happened on both sides, from what I understand.

[ A sigh across the connection. Weary with weight. ]

Honestly, magic may be part of an answer here, but it's a mechanical answer in some ways. Not the people part. I heard Shard-Bearers with political experience were able to reduce tensions before ... so maybe you're exactly who we needed to show up now. I know I'd appreciate all the political wisdom I can get.