Rose and Ameena | 4th of Rottings, Before Sunset

Leander confused from Rose and Prince Solaris' news, doesn't know what to do. But he knows that he should inform his mother before they depart, Prince Solaris II asks Rose if she'll accompany him, or stay with Ameena. She chooses to stay with Ameena. While Leander and Prince Solaris II leave the tavern for the moment, Rose follows Ameena upstairs.

Ameena opens a closet—bags are already packed and ready, as if she's been prepared for this moment. Ameena asks why Vita isn't here, and why Rose is here instead. Rose hesitates, She admits she doesn't know where Vita is at this exact moment. This is technically true, though Rose is withholding that Vita got arrested.

The conversation becomes more emotional. Rose admits she feels guilty about what happened to Tayleon—she tells Ameena that she tried to keep him out of it, but that saved her. She tried to help him as much as she could, but so far it hasn't been enough.

Ameena
"I'm grateful that you even came here."

Suddenly, Ameena looks as if she might throw up.

Ameena
"Sorry. I... I've been feeling nauseous the whole day..."

Rose offers to help pack, but Ameena already has two bags ready. As she gathers final items, Rose notices Ameena open her nightstand drawer and put something in a bag, though Rose doesn't see what.

Ameena admits to Rose that she didn't want Vita to return under Einar's tutelage, but she couldn't provide what Vita needed—guidance with her magic. It was better for Vita to stay with him, even though it pained her. Rose reassures her this seems to have been a wise decision. Ameena mentions Kaedlin has taken Vita under her wing, and she's grateful for that. She speaks of a time before Vita was born when she herself attended the small consortium in Leonopolis, where she got to know Kaedlin.

Rose notices something: Ameena looks remarkably young—basically Vita's age—yet she's speaking about events before Vita was born, and Vita is eighteen....

Ameena
"But I would never say anything to her about this.... But sometimes, sometimes I wish things hadn't gone the way it had. And that is really wrong of me to say, but I can't provide her with what she needs, and that is unfair to her."

Rose asks what she means. Ameena explains that Vita has been through things she wishes she didn't have to experience. A few months ago, something went terribly wrong—and it was the moment Ameena realized she couldn't provide Vita with what she truly needs.

Rose connects the pieces: They stand in a brand new tavern. The streets are brand-new. Everything has been renovated. Rose had read in the papers that this entire district burned down. Vita's wild magic. Fire.

Rose glances around, the dawning realization crossing her face. Ameena looks away, the bags ready. The door slams open—Leander and the prince return. Prince Solaris gives Rose a look that says: don't bring it up. Ameena comforts Leander, who becomes impatient to leave.

...
...
...

The four of them travel to the sundial. As they arrive just before sunset, Rose notices Ameena purposely not looking at it, as if avoiding the sight. Leander asks where they're going, how they're getting there. Prince Solaris II tries to explain, but Ameena drifts off not paying attention.

Rose realizes: Ameena has done this before.

At the sundial, the prince hands Rose a large bottle of red liquid—a powerful healing potion. He explains four people is much more dangerous than two, and there's a chance he might collapse when they arrive. If he falls, Rose must shove it down his throat immediately. Ameena also agrees to watch.

As Rose stands before the sundial, she gets a massive headache. The edges of her vision blur as something tries to creep in...

A vision overtakes her.

She looks from someone's perspective—a male hand reaching out with a large purple scar.

A voice speaks:
You don't have to go with them!
Vengeance is not an answer...
Please stay here... with me...

She sees Vitharr/Viða disappear through the sundial...

Rose recognizes the voice but can't place it immediately. Then Ameena and Solaris are asking if she's okay. Rose pushes through the headache—they're in a hurry. They need to go. Prince Solaris II tells everyone to hold hands, and they disappear through the sundial.

When they reappear in Costa Del Rugido, the prince collapses face-first. Rose rushes towards him, shoving the healing potion down his throat. After a few seconds, Ameena rushes over, pounding on his chest. Rose casts a healing spell, which is enough to get the prince on his feet.

After a moment to recover, the prince tells Rose he noticed how the sundial responded to her—it affects her less than it should have. If she ever needs to travel anywhere for an emergency, she should tell the palace guards: "The sun is setting." They'll know what it means.

Prince Solaris II
"I don't want you to give up on your mother Callista."

Rose
"I'm trying..."

Prince Solaris II
"I understand that you have lost your sister."
"But perhaps in another world, she may have lost you instead."
"In that situation, the roles would be reversed."
"So don't give up on her."

He hands Rose a golden piece of paper with instructions for the drake taxis, then leaves to rest. Rose escorts Ameena and Leander to the House of Healing. When they arrive, no one is tending to Tayleon at the moment. They hear muffled voices and laughter from the other side of a greenery fence—someone else is being treated there.

Tayleon lies motionless in the bed, slightly grayer than before. Leander walks in, looks at him, and freezes. For a full minute, he doesn't even seem to blink. Ameena goes to Tayleon, moving his hair out of the way. Rose snaps Leander out of his daze. He finally moves, bumping against the bed, then sits beside his brother.

Ameena asks if Rose would like to stay or will be heading off. Rose doesn't want to leave, but she understands that perhaps she should. She considers heading to the Temple of Harmonia to pray, hoping it might help somehow, but ultimately decides to return back to the Academy.

Ameena thanks Rose for bringing them here, asking Rose to visit Tayleon again soon. Leander doesn't even look at Rose, consumed by his worry. As Rose leaves, she hears voices from the other side of the fence, and she decides to keep. She hears Prince Ramiel's awkward laugh, along with the laughter of a lionfolk and a feminine giggle. While she tried to remain subtle, she's spotted by Oyindamola.

Prince Ramiel and Oyindamola are staying with Ahmidon, whose leg is in wrappings. Ramiel explains one of the young drakes bit him during training, and then he fell down the stairs. They're waiting for the healer to fix it properly tomorrow.

The conversation is awkward. Oyindamola mentions to Rose that she's still waiting for a rematch with Naomi. Rose compliments Oyindamola's outfit, adding that... 'She knows that blue suits her.' Ramiel, Ahmidon and Oyindamola wish Rose a good night, and as Rose tries to leave, she overhears Oyindamola mention to Ramiel that she heard about a big fire at the Temple of the Undecided... Rose lingers, pretending to tie her shoelace, and eavesdrops for a while longer.

Oyindamola explains she heard from Ronnie, who was stationed at the temple. There was apparently a big fire and people were escorted off the premises. It's off-limits now. Oyindamola asks of Ramiel if it's worth looking into.... Ramiel says that it does sound odd, but he has meetings and no time to investigate. Oyindamola says maybe she'll look into it herself.

Rose "finishes" tying her shoelace and heads back to the academy. It's very late. She's exhausted. She returns to her dormitory and falls into restful sleep, still feeling a bit of pain on her hand from the sundial cut.

Prince Ramiel
"Oyindamola, please don't get yourself in trouble..."

Oyindamola
"Oh don't worry, my professor taught me very well."

Thalga, Vita, and Naomi | 4th of Rottings, Earlier that day...

Argent escorts Naomi back to her cell with a look of frustration and disappointment, after he leaves, Loras immediately starts prying about the conversation. When no one answers, he speculates about chemistry between Naomi and Argent.

Thalga shuts him down firmly—Argent is more likely to be Naomi's secret father than her lover. Vita then suggests maybe Loras has his eye on Argent. He responds somewhat flustered, saying that he'd prefer someone more his size, otherwise he'd be... "impaled..." Naomi and Vita don't know what to respond, yet Thalga laughs loudly.

Loras redirects to Vita, asking if she has her eye on someone. Without naming names, Vita describes Prince Ramiel as dreamy, helpful, and romantic. The other two immediately know who she means. She admits she doesn't know how to get his attention anymore or subtly take the next step.

Loras points out the obvious problem: Is he attracted to prisoners? Vita deflates.

When asked about his own romantic interests, Loras mentions Cellia, the adorable pouchfout from the southern markets who draws maps. Loras asks Thalga if she has someone special. Thalga says not really—kind of. The conversation devolves into jokes about her preferences and her passion for building things and technology. Vita suggests Thalga build a ladder to escape. Thalga points out they took all her equipment, and besides, they'd be fugitives. Vita would never see Prince Ramiel ever again.

Throughout this exchange, Thalga tries to get a read on whether Loras is messing with them. She can't get a conclusive answer—although he's certainly inconsistent. She labels him as possibly insane, though prison is boring and insane people can sometimes be fun.

The rest of the afternoon passes with some card games—Thalga, Vita, and Naomi all beat Loras soundly, though he keeps his spirits up. Vita experiments with her fire magic in the cell. She successfully lights small flames on her fingers using Prestidigitation, though the flames are weaker than expected, suppressed by the prison's anti-magic wards.

...

But before the day ends... Suddenly, Loras' prison cell entrance gets blocked off again, causing Naomi, Vita and Thalga to get up, someone's coming to talk to them yet again. High heels click against stone—not the soft padding of paws. Lorelai emerges from the shadows. She asks if they're all right. They confirm they're doing decently given the circumstances.

Lorelai
"It's been handled."

A purposeful silence hangs in the air. The women wait. Lorelai continues.

Lorelai
"You put us in quite a bind, you three. Or should I say four."

Naomi explains in hushed tones to be careful because Loras and Gilliam are nearby. She mentions the invisible round shape in the showers that went through the wall, and Gilliam's purple eyes. Lorelai suspects its yet another Void Gazer again... Lorelai checks on Gilliam by phasing through his cell-wall using an incantation.

She confirms he's still affected but she cannot see the creature either. It's probably affected by the element of air. She cannot help him if she can't see it, but he's safe here under Argent's watch. She explains the official story: they broke a priceless statue. They'll serve their sentence as the system requires. A judge must decide. Her hands are tied.

Lauraai "It is disappointing what happened. I understand that you three ladies want answers, but this cannot happen again."

The women agree immediately.

Vita shows Lorelai her purple scar. Lorelai cannot see it—connected to the air element again. Vita explains her experience at the edge of existence: floating rocks, purple everywhere, monsters, someone saving her with an arrow. Lorelai's eyes widen at the mention of the edge.

Lorelai says she must think about this. She reiterates the situation is delicate. For now, life should return to normal after sentencing—though she knows it won't. The four of them will be under her supervision. They broke her trust. Lorelai asks about whether Gilgamesh helped them, telling them that he must be feeling lonely at the moment.

When Vita asks to tell them more, Lorelai tries to respond but she cannot—the same restriction affecting Kathleen. Lorelai attempts to work around it. Vita asks about the Subjurforged and the paintings, with Naomi and Thalga asking why the statue was even in the Temple of The Undecided to begin with. Lorelai carefully navigates the restriction.

Lorelai
"I believe that he thought that this would never happen. So why not share this bit of history with the rest of the world?"

As she speaks, Naomi notices purple briefly creeping into Lorelai's eyes before fading. Thalga realizes the pattern: Lorelai cannot reveal information, only confirm things they already know. . The arcane restriction is on revelation, not confirmation.

Vita rapid-fires questions: Do you know where the mirror is? Who knows? Does Einar have it? Is it a physical object? Lorelai answers what she can until the restriction stops her.

Lorelai
"I must stop for now. It affects my thoughts as well."

Vita
"Is Vitharr alive?"

Lorelai
"She is."

When Vita asks if she herself is the mirror, Lorelai cannot answer. She must leave for now, as the restriction affects her thoughts as well. She cannot elaborate further. Before leaving, she tells them to stick together.

Lorelai
"We lost because we lost someone. Someone has to pick up the pieces."

After she's gone, the women realize she meant the winged lionfolk Feronis. The one who was there when Kaedlin, Beauford, Lorelai, and Feronis, the four stewards took their oath. They lost him. Vita flops on her bed, complaining about three months of boredom.

Thalga sits quietly, overthinking. She's beginning to see Vita as a potential risk—the wild magic, the connections to Einar, the purple scar. She thinks about magical containment vessels.

Thalga, Vita, and Naomi | 5th of Rottings, Early Morning

Morning comes in the prison. Loras cheerfully greets them: "Ah, good morning my favorite three women! Did you all sleep well?" Thalga finds him strangely endearing, like a quirky uncle, while Vita is so tired of him. The morning light shines down and a new character appears: Judge Clawrence, a lionfolk man with brown fur and muted green eyes.

Judge Clawrence
"Good morning, ladies."

The women respond politely and follow his instructions. Judge Clawrence leads them upstairs to an office. When they enter, someone else is already there: Prince Ramiel, with Sparky on his shoulder. Vita immediately becomes self-conscious about wearing prisoner garb for two days. The prince asks the judge about the cost. Judge Clawrence explains the ancient statue doesn't have a set value—any price would be a donation. He suggests 5,000 gold pieces.

Prince Ramiel
"All right. I can arrange that in a day."

The women and especially Vita, stare open-mouthed. The prince negotiates further—normally they'd be forced to be imprisoned for three months, but these are bright-minded students who had a magical mishap. Thalga suggests house-arrest or community service instead. Prince Ramiel agrees to supervise them. Judge Clawrence rules: Three months under supervision of Prince Ramiel, community service at least once per tenday. Any slacking or not showing up and they'll return to prison.

The crimes listed are: Destruction of public property, Trespassing, Accidental fire hazard.
Notably, theft is not listed, the tablet that was stolen during all the chaos at the temple isn't being blamed on them...

Prince Ramiel signs the documents. The ladies sign as well, and they're free to leave. As they're escorted out, they pass Argent in the hallway. The silver dragonfolk stares at Naomi specifically with a dismissive look. Thalga thanks him for their 'comfortable' stay and apologizes for any inconvenience. Argent doesn't respond, just turns and walks back into the prison.

The women retrieve their belongings. When Naomi makes physical contact with Gilgamesh's card, she feels his presence but also a sense of loneliness. Naomi tries to mentally speak with Gilgamesh. She asks how he's doing. He responds that time passes much more slowly for him, so it felt very long. There was not much he could do. They agree to talk about it later.

The moment Vita gets her amulet back, she summons Stewie. The little fire salamander is overjoyed, and she hugs him to her face. Prince Ramiel escorts them back to the Academy. The women are profoundly grateful. Thalga mentions her dwarven family will pay a hefty sum to re-pay his kindness, but the prince waves this off—they helped him with the drake eggs months ago, which was far more important than accidentally breaking a statue.

Ramiel tells the girls that they should also be thanking someone else. Without her, he wouldn't have known about their predicament. The ladies are escorted outside, someone is waiting for them with their little sun umbrella, smirking.

Vita is immediately frustrated—Oyindamola has power over them now. But Oyindamola did tell the prince about their situation, so they owe her thanks as well. Prince Ramiel and Oyindamola discuss their dinner plans—something about new dresses and a partnership funding the Howling Reserve. Oyindamola mentions they employed a new dwarven artificer named Dhzaro for the project.

Oyindamola bids them farewell, snaps her fingers to change her outfit back to its Drakerider form, she mounts her drake, waves to Ramiel, and drives away.

Rose | 5th of Rottings, Morning

Rose wakes feeling well-rested and calm. She casts Dancing Lights as a morning ritual for comfort, letting them dance around her room. She gets dressed with her lovely scarf, sits at her desk, and writes a poem for comfort—hoping today will be as calm as she's waking. She doesn't feel like going for breakfast, worried about encountering a certain professor. She eats dry crackers in her room instead, then decides to visit the temple in the academy.

As she enters the temple, she encounters Professor Askdyrnir. He stands before the statue of Harmonia with his eyes closed. She heads to the Academy's student training grounds instead.

The moment she steps into the courtyard, she sees them: the four rival students. The rude wind-blessed one has summoned great dragon-like wings and is flying around, making twirls and twists above the academy for longer than a minute—showing off an ability that Rose cannot match. It stings.

Villie sits with a book, pretending to read but clearly watching the display, her attention going up and down as her wind-blessed roommate passes by overhead. Rose mutters under her breath: "Can't go anywhere here."

She turns around and leaves, frustrated and annoyed. She's supposed to be able to go places at the academy without making her feel inadequate. But then she makes a choice. She's tired of running. She decides to head back to the temple and face Askdyrnir instead.

Askdyrnir stands before the statue of Harmonia with his eyes closed. Rose's divine sight reveals that he wears an odd heart-shaped jewel that glows every color of magic—she hadn't noticed the necklace before.

Rose sits nearby and reads about confession rituals to Harmonia. She realizes what he's doing: standing before Harmonia's statue with eyes closed, confessing until a thin candle burns down entirely—about thirty minutes. As Rose watches, the candle goes out. Askdyrnir opens his eyes. Rose's magic sense picks up the necklace pulsing outward like a heartbeat, shifting to a serene blue—some kind of protective spell.

Then Rose hears something once more...

"Is it really that important to you what he thinks?"

"Yes! It is important what he thinks."

Two voices—both lionlike. Then it snaps away.

Askdyrnir turns, glances at Rose, and starts to leave.

Rose mutters audibly, as if to herself:
"Is it really that important to you what he thinks?"

Askdyrnir stops and turns back to her.

Askdyrnir
"What did you mutter?"

Rose
"Is it really that important?"

Askdyrnir
"Do not play games with me, Rose White."

Rose
"I don't play games. I just heard it."

Askdyrnir
"Stay out of my head."

Rose
"I'm not trying to. It just happens."

Askdyrnir
"Do not make an enemy out of me."

Rose confronts him about his cold teaching style. He responds harshly—the world isn't fair, and she should understand that better than anyone considering what she lost three years ago, and that there will be no saviors. She'll need to depend on herself.

Askdyrnir
"The fact that you dared to even go in my mind proves to me that you're just like him.
Do not even think for a second that you will be ever a part!"

He mentions the invitation Aiden extended to her. He says she's not dependable or trustworthy unless she proves herself otherwise—in class, under his terms. To Rose, it seemed as if Askdyrnir compared her to Einar...

Rose notices he tucks his necklace under his shirt. She got a good look at it.
A heart with wings that are currently closed. It is a lover's necklace....

As Askdyrnir reaches the door, he pauses without looking back. His final words cut like ice: "Your sister is gone. Get used to it." The door slams behind him.

As Rose stands in the hallway, her necklace turns black. She doesn't feel like she's ignoring Harmonia's request for empathy—she doesn't particularly like Askdyrnir and doesn't understand him fully yet, but she's trying. She puts out a silent prayer for reconnection and guidance. White enters her vision once more. But this time, she doesn't resist...

The hallway fades. Everything becomes dull and gray, as if she's in the academy many years ago. She sees two young lions walking together—one with black fur and white eyes, one with light brown fur and green eyes.

Young Feronis
"Come on, I want to go tell him."

Young Beauford
"Is it really that important to you what he thinks?"

Young Feronis
"Yes, it is important."

They're wearing student outfits from another time, then enter the temple. Rose follows. The black-furred lionfolk drags his companion forward. Inside, a figure in green robes stands before the statue—Askdyrnir, though brighter and younger.

Young Feronis
"Professor. I want you to meet someone."

Younger Askdyrnir
"I... am aware of who Beauford is..."

Young Feronis
"I wanted to tell you something else actually. Um..."

Younger Askdyrnir
"Well, spit it out, Feronis."

Young Feronis
"Um... I... Why is this so difficult? We're together! There. I said it!
Um yeah... we're together."

Beauford looks awkwardly away, and Askdyrnir responds warmly.

Younger Askdyrnir
"Oh, I'm very happy for you. It's, I'm grateful that you talked to me."

Young Feronis
"Oh, I'm so sorry. It's just a relief to tell you."

Askdyrnir mentions academy policy about clothing. Young Beauford apologizes, saying he'll dress better next time, still holding his partner's hand tightly. Askdyrnir asks how long this has been going on. Young Feronis says about two months. Askdyrnir asks if his mother already knew, and Feronis admits that he told her last week, but asked her not to say anything yet.

Young Feronis
"I have to admit, I thought you would respond different, professor."

Younger Askdyrnir
"Feronis... we're outside of academy hours. You don't have to call me professor."

Young Feronis
"All right. All right. Askdyrnir."

Younger Askdyrnir
"..."

Young Feronis
"Yeah... Yeah! That's the news..."

Young Beauford
"I'm still here. Hi."

Younger Askdyrnir
"Well, as long as you two focus on your studies and don't get into any mischief, I'm glad you told me. It's why your mother has been smiling the last few days, hasn't she?"

Young Feronis
"Yes. Yes, I told her..."

Younger Askdyrnir
"Well, I'm very honored."

Young Feronis
"Yeah. Thanks, Dad."

Rose stands in the hallway, having seen the cause of Askdyrnir's pain. Feronis, the petrified lionfolk was his stepson. Rose doesn't fully understand how someone can become so harsh after being so kind, regardless of what they've lost.

But she realizes that who might have gone through the same thing—her own mother. But she's not ready to see the parallel yet. Rose walks back to the temple and stands before the statue of Harmonia, following Askdyrnir's example.

She confesses. At first it's hesitant—she wants to hide. But she can't hide from her own resentment. Resentment of people who treat her wrongly when she's already been through so much. Yet in trying to understand, she realizes she doesn't treat others harshly if they don't truly deserve it. It's not her nature to be unkind.

The confession is one of surrender. She doesn't understand, but she wants the guidance and wisdom to let something happen that will improve this situation.

As Rose prays, a little bit of light comes through the window onto her chest. She realizes what she has that others perhaps don't: Hope. Hope is what keeps her going in her search for Snow. It's what makes her refuse to give up when others might have already lost faith.

Rose's thought shifts: Maybe she can share that hope, even though it might be very hard. What does she hope for now? She doesn't want to be alone anymore. At her core, she wants Snow back, but right now she wants her friends. She wants to support them and solve this together. She doesn't want to abandon them. She wants to give them hope.

As Rose holds this thought, the light shifts. She can now look clearly through the window, which extends to the entrance of the academy. Call it fate, call it hope: Three women step out of a carriage with Prince Ramiel. Rose sees her friends. She doesn't hesitate, and runs out the temple to see them.

A Reunion | 5th of Rottings

Prince Ramiel helps the ladies out of the carriage one by one. There's obvious romantic tension as Vita pretends to stumble so he'll catch her. She falls gracefully into his arms, close enough to smell his cologne—musky and masculine. Her eyes linger in his, and the moment lasts just a bit longer than necessary before he sets her steady.

Rose arrives, running up excitedly. She's overjoyed to see them. Prince Ramiel explains the arrangement: they have community service at least once a tenday. He offers to sign Rose up for the same assignments so she can get compensation even though she wasn't technically imprisoned. Rose agrees—she's been looking forward to exploring the city anyway.

Before Ramiel leaves, Vita grabs his hand with both of hers, looking him in the eyes.

Vita
"Thank you so much again for coming to our rescue.
I am so grateful. I cannot thank you enough."

Prince Ramiel demurs—it wasn't just him. Oyindamola informed him about the situation.

Vita
"Oh, of course."

Thalga
"We will certainly let Oyindamola know that we are very grateful."

Ramiel mentions he might be busy tomorrow, but he trusts their judgment to stay out of trouble. He lets go of Vita's hand, though there's a moment where it lingers. The prince leaves and the carriage moves off. Vita watches until it's out of view. The others definitely notice.

Naomi
"I saw what you did there, Vita. Very subtle..."

Vita
"It worked, didn't it?"

The four women head to their dormitory common room to catch up over food. As they walk, Rose talks to Thalga.

Rose
"Are you okay now?"

Thalga
"We're going to be okay, one way or another."

They settle in with food, finally together again in their comfortable space with couches and draperies.

Rose
"What was it like in there?"

Vita
"Sucked."

Naomi
"Oh, it was relatively comfortable."

Thalga
"Well, the place itself was all right. The company, however, was annoying."

They tell Rose about Loras, the talkative halfling who got on everyone's nerves, especially Naomi's. They describe him as inconsistent, possibly unstable, but somehow endearing to Thalga. They summarize the key events: visits from Kaedlin and Lorelai, an incident with Gilliam who had purple eyes, and something invisible in the showers.

Naomi gestures to Vita's arm. Vita pulls up her sleeve, revealing the large purple scar. Rose CAN see it! It must be marked or connected somehow to the same invisible creatures in the prison. Only certain people can see certain void manifestations, depending on their elemental attunement.

They discuss how the purple eyes are visible to everyone, but the Void creatures that cause them are only visible by one element. The eyes only went away when the last Void Gazer was defeated. They explain that officially, their crimes were: trespassing, destruction of public property, and accidental fire hazard. No theft charge—they're in the clear on the missing tablet. But Lorelai and Kaedlin explicitly told them not to tell anyone what actually happened.

Rose admits she skipped Askdyrnir's class. She explains she was in a vulnerable state and went to visit Tayleon at the House of Healing instead.

Rose
"When I arrived there, Prince Solaris II himself was busy on his healing progress."

She explains they had a philosophical conversation about faith, love, and choice. The prince said Tayleon's spark is fading—physically he's fine, but his life force is weakening. The prince couldn't seem to find an answer. Rose managed to convince him to fetch Tayleon's family immediately using the sundial, invoking the Last Law of Harmonia. She traveled with him to Leonopolis.

Vita
"Wait. My parents are here?"

Rose
"They are here."

She explains about the sundial travel, how it uses blood sacrifice. She had to cut her hand and take the first turn. When they returned with four people, the prince nearly died—Rose had to use the healing potion and her Healing Light to stabilize him.

At that moment, looking at Vita, that same vision pops into Rose's head:
"You don't have to go with them!"

Rose looks back and momentarily sees Vitharr, but then realizes she's looking at Vita. The two stare at each other, confused. Rose explains she's been having visions during these last few days, similar to Vita before—they remember the warehouse vision, the vision of Oyindamola turning to stone. Rose shrugs it off and returns to the story. The sundial uses blood and is some kind of powerful teleportation magic.

Rose
"Luckily you mentioned a tavern and a rebuilt part of town, so I was able to find your parents."

Vita is shocked they're in the city. Rose explains she brought them back through the sundial. It was a hard conversation with Ameena.

Vita
"You didn't tell them where I was, did you?"

Rose
"Only your mother. She already sensed something was wrong."

Rose admits Ameena was worried from the moment she woke up—mother's intuition perhaps. Rose felt bad lying. The conversation turns practical. They need to visit Tayleon quickly because he's being transferred to the palace today for better healing. That means they need to hurry if they want to see him and talk to Vita's mother.

Rose admits she told Aiden about what happened. The others are concerned until Rose explains further.

Rose
"Long version short, he's part of a Covenant that gathers information."

Vita
"So he's a spy?"

Rose
"They're gathering information to solve a situation."

Rose explains that Professor Askdyrnir is also involved—Aiden called him "master" and handed him a report. Apparently she's on Askdyrnir's bad side now. He compared Rose to Einar.

Rose
"Well, at least Askdyrnir's then sort of on our side."

Thalga
"He's on... our side, but not on OUR side."

Rose explains Askdyrnir doesn't trust her, but if she proves herself in class under his terms, that could change. Tomorrow she has to prove herself during practice.

Naomi
"Perhaps we need to establish that we don't tell anyone any sensitive information to anyone."

Rose
"I might have a handy tool for that..."

She shows them the Sanctarubis Aiden gave her—it creates a private zone where no one can eavesdrop or read minds. They realize they're pressed for time. Tayleon is being transferred today. If they want to see him and talk to Vita's mother about everything they've learned, they need to go now.

In The Drake Carriage | 5th of Rottings

As they travel to the House of Healing, the conversation continues. The four women settle into the private carriage compartment. Naomi pays the gold. Rose hesitates, and admits she told Aiden about what happened. The others tense. Rose explains quickly—Aiden is part of something called The Covenant. They gather information to solve the situation surrounding Einar.

The conversation turns to what they should tell Aiden going forward. Vita suggests they need to be careful about sharing sensitive information before they know what the Covenant truly wants. Then Vita makes a comment about how they all thought Aiden was "dumb and just, you know, happy to—"

Rose
"Excuse me?!"

Vita backpedals, but the damage is done. Rose looks at her—she's just insulted someone Rose cares about. The frustration that's been building since the temple erupts.

Rose
"Vita... I am glad you're back. But I—I almost died again! And I know YOU touched it."

Vita
"I know. And I'm very sorry that that happened to you."

Rose
"Why did you do it to begin with?!"

Vita
"It spoke to me."

The words hang between them. Vita explains: the Subjurforged seemed to know her, asked for help, begged to be set free. It sounded like it was in pain. When it came to life and saw the others, it got defensive and attacked. She didn't know it would come to life when she touched it. It felt like some kind of force was compelling her. But now, Vita is just concerned about sharing too much with the Covenant before they know exactly what the group wants.

Gilgamesh
"It depends on which side you take in this conflict. Do you stand with him or against them?"

They discuss the larger problem: they still don't know what Einar is actually planning or whether it's harmful. They don't know which side to be on, the ladies go over many theories in their heads, and the carriage arrives at the House of Healing. Their destination.

House of Healing | 5th of Rottings

As they enter, Naomi lingers for a moment. A cleric rushes to a Sentinel on the carriage, asking him to drive her to the nearest Sentinel Outpost, to file a missing person's report. Madam Rodoni (Ridonia) hasn't been seen in two days. Naomi takes note of that...

They find Ameena alone with Tayleon. He's still in bed, motionless, slightly grayer than before. When Vita and the others arrive, Ameena looks up, Vita hurries over to her mother. Vita hugs her mother tightly, holding on. Ameena has clearly been emotional—her eyes are red.

Thalga and Rose see Tayleon's condition. Vita approaches and touches his hand—the pulse is weak. He feels colder than expected. Vita gently tries to warm him with her fire magic.

Ameena introduces herself to Vita's friends. Vita asks where Leander is. Ameena explains he went to get some air—they stayed the night here, but he couldn't sit still. He wanted to think. She believes he's probably getting a drink somewhere. He's really angry that no one will tell him what happened to Tayleon.

Vita wants to tell her mother everything, but she can't. It's very conflicting for Vita. This is her mother—the person she trusts most in her life. She's always told her everything. She has answers she needs from her mother. But she knows she can't tell her anything right now. So she chooses silence.

Ameena asks if Vita has the key that she gave her a few months ago, Vita does. Ameena mentions she's going to stay here until something happens—until there's a change in Tayleon's condition. Vita, without looking at her mother, asks: "Would he be able to fix him?"

Ameena immediately knows who she means. Einar.

Ameena
"I know he can."

Vita
"Then why don't we ask him?"

Ameena
"Vita, I can't face him."

Vita
"Isn't this more important?"

Ameena
"You're right. You're right."

Vita
"Then why not ask him?"

Ameena
"I wish that life.... I... I wish that life stayed simple. But it never can be."

Vita
"No, I recently learned that."

Ameena
"I don't even know how to contact him. I can't just show up at his palace."

Vita
"I know where he is. He's at the royal palace."

Ameena
"I don't know if he would even want to see me... Vita, what if he gets angry again?"

Vita
"I mean, why would he get angry again?"

Ameena
"Vita, you don't understand."

Vita
"Understand what?"

Vita
"Mom, I think it's time that you tell me everything."

Ameena
"When I became pregnant... I... There was so much hatred in him, so much misunderstanding. Yes, the first few years were hard... But Feronis checked in on me, but I was all on my own. And I had to raise you. And I'm so grateful that Leander came into our lives, but you're asking me to face the man who abandoned me when I needed him most."
"I would do anything for Tayleon. But that doesn't make it easy."

Vita
"..."

Ameena
"Then I'll go alone."

Vita starts to protest. Thalga offers that they'll be there to help if Ameena needs anything.
But Ameena insists it's best if she goes alone.

Ameena
"Because he can't read my mind. And that intrigues him and frustrates him both. He knows every step that everyone ever makes, and he thinks that I betrayed him. And there is nothing I can do to make him change his mind."

Vita
"I think he knows that you did not betray him."

Ameena
"Maybe now... Yeah, he may know now..."

Vita
"But that could make all of the difference in the world."

Ameena
"Maybe. But I have something real with Leander too."

Vita
"And I'm not asking you to give that up. But I think something's wrong with him. And I think that we need to really help him."

Ameena
"I don't know how."

Vita
"Me neither. But I feel like the only way that we can help him is if you're involved in some way."

Rose
"Maybe he'll be able to open up again."

Ameena pauses, then admits there was something real between her and Einar.

Vita
"I know. I saw."

Ameena
"You saw?"

Vita explains that they went to the mansion and opened the door to the Ballroom. When they were inside, something happened... and Vita saw Ameena and Einar together.

Vita
"And I saw the puppets as well."

Ameena
"Puppets? Oh, his family."

Vita
"Yes. And one of them was—well, me."

Ameena's eyes widen. She's processing this, going over it in her head. How can there have been a statue of Vita? But Vita wasn't bo...—Vita asks if Einar ever told Ameena anything about a person named Vitharr. Ameena responds that she doesn't. But Vita isn't finished. She asks if Einar ever mentioned a spark.

Ameena thinks for a moment.

Ameena
"Well, this may sound a bit odd, but there were moments that I was with him in the ballroom. There have been moments where we danced and he cast spells with little lights around us, like little balls of light that floated and bounced around. And the lights typically went to the middle of the puppet's chest. And I have seen royal insignia with lions and little lights. There were moments that did indeed say he did use the word spark in some contexts, but I never really—I just left him alone during those times. But he did used to talk a lot to himself."

Vita
"When he threw you out, he said there could only be one spark."

Ameena
"How do you know?"

Vita and the ladies admit she had another vision of that moment when he threw Ameena out. She saw what happened.

Ameena
"Who is this Vitharr? Who is that?"

They explain: Vitharr seems to be a person who was fighting in the war but also wasn't quite human. She had a connection to Einar. They just cannot figure out how or why—because she looks exactly like Vita.

They tell Ameena they found a painting from a long time ago that looked exactly like Vita.

Ameena
"Wait, wait. What do you mean painting? I know there's a painting that looked like me.
There's a painting. Feronis showed it to me."

She thinks for a moment, then remembers: a few months before she got pregnant, she took a trip to one of the temples in the city together with Feronis. The Temple of the Undecided—the one close to the academy. The one with the Subjurforged.

Ameena
"In one of the hallways... There was this lion statue and I went there with Feronis and he told me a bit about the history. There was a painting and they were holding a spear and they had dark robes... She looked a bit like me... and I thought it was a pretty name."

Vita
"What name did you think was a pretty name?"

Ameena
"Vita. I thought that was a pretty name. Feronis showed me the painting of Vitharr."

The revelation hits everyone: Ameena named Vita after seeing the painting of Vitharr...

Vita
"But you're telling me that painting looked like—"

Ameena
"Yes. But it looked like me."

Thalga
"Well, you kind of look like each other..."

Vita
"That is what I'm trying to figure out because the thing is, she's still alive."

Ameena
"What do you mean alive?"

Thalga suggests they focus on the matter at hand instead of confusing Ameena further with stories of ancient history. All the information causes Ameena to get a headache, she needs to lie down. Ameena goes to the bed next to Tayleon's and lies down flat. She looks at Tayleon for a moment, then closes her eyes. The friends ask if they can get her anything. Rose silently places a glass of water on the nightstand in case Ameena needs it.

Naomi sits beside the bed and tries to guide Ameena through a breathing exercise, a sort of guided meditation to help her stay calm and collect her thoughts. Vita takes the chair between the two beds and stays silent, giving her mother the space she needs. She's decided she will not move from there until at least Leander comes back.

Ameena holds her head, trying to remember something.

Ameena
"Feronis. I've always thought he was a bit... odd.. I don't know... What did he used to say? I can't remember."

Vita takes her mother's hand.

Naomi
"Take your time. I know this is all very confusing and that some things might come back to you but you don't have to force it."

Vita casts a minor spell to create a cool compress and silently offers it to her mother. Naomi continues trying to help Ameena stay calm with all this overwhelming information.

Thalga observes the scenario unfolding. She thinks Ameena knows more than she's telling them—or rather, more than she's letting herself remember. For now, Thalga doesn't say anything. She just observes...