The dancing flames in the fireplace bathed the sitting room in red.
Harlan instructed the guards to serve desserts and drinks to his honored guests, then said with a courteous smile, "Please, make yourselves comfortable."
Talanji loved the exquisite food of human society, but she was in no mood to enjoy life's pleasures.
Two months had passed since the naval battle began, and the Iron Tide Pirates had achieved nothing of any significance.
As for Lord Ashvane's Combined Fleet being trapped at sea, that had only been possible because Talanji had drawn on an outside power.
"Admiral Harlan, Zandalar's support won't last much longer. I hope you'll take real action to weaken the Kul Tiras Navy."
From the moment the naval battle began, Talanji had never expected the Iron Tide Pirates to defeat the Kul Tiras Navy. Rather than cultivate a powerful pirate force, she wanted both sides to suffer heavy losses.
Yet the Iron Tide Pirates were merely operating along the fringes of the Inland Sea, with no intention of launching a large-scale attack. This strategy of rubbing against the entrance without ever going in infuriated Talanji.
The Iron Tide Pirates needed Zandalar's military aid, yet refused to honor their agreement and concentrate their forces against the Kul Tiras Navy.
They took the resources and did none of the work. Humans really were devious.
Harlan understood the Zandalari Trolls' intentions perfectly well. The troll princess before him was particularly shrewd.
As a pirate leader, Harlan had sensed Talanji's ambitions for expansion early on.
"I told you before the fighting began. The Kul Tiras Navy is the strongest naval force in the entire Alliance. Its fleets have clearly defined duties, and each does its part. The entire Inland Sea, along with the borders of Kul Tiras, is sealed up tight.