He recognizes this as swapping olive branches, and marks it as success. John, looking a little tired— but then, he usually does— nods to her in thanks.

"Sounds like I have a long day ahead of me," he says, vaguely amused. "Maybe I'll find a bit of poetry the ravens do enjoy."

Patience is a virtue; he'll push for a demonstration of her magic another day. In the meantime, he may yet dig up something that can tell him what to expect. There are sources of power here he's never even imagined, and she has access to only one of them.

The Emperor takes his leave.