Having food in her belly seemed to at least give his sister a somewhat more amicable disposition, though still with her normal charm.
"Alright, alright... I know. I took a huge risk doing all this- but Renewal could still be a powerful ally, as could their choir, if we play this right." Nathaniel wouldn't deny his attempts had been shortsighted, but he was prepared to do what he could to make the best out of all this.
Then as to what they did. "It taught me some gifts associated with the elements. In return, Matt and I helped renew nature around the area- tore up fencing and such; that has been the extent of our interactions with it." Then Emily brings up the very good point that Renewal could likely destroy Nathaniel. But.... There were ways to deal with such spirits, if it came down to it.
It didn't seem the cat idea resonated well, and Emily was right- Necessary Guile took the form of a cat, but it might not automatically provide any benefit namedropping it with a cat spirit... And assuming that a cat spirit would enjoy chasing a rat was simply stereotyping.
So, Lunes. "C...Call a Lune? Um- no. No, I don't know how to do that outside of the branding ceremonies. I've only felt comfortable calling weaker gafflings." Oh sure, he'd pace himself then- but the second some occult mysticism came forth the crescent would go prancing to uncover it. Such was his desire to comprehend the unknown. "Do you think we need their assistance?..."