The night following the discovery beneath Einar's mansion, the ladies reflected on the past month, each contemplating recent events in her own way.

Rose's reflection

Rose had been driven by her academic pursuit to find her sister Snow, relying on her magic and prayers to Harmonia for guidance. She worried deeply for her friends, especially Vita, and for Vita’s possible counterpart trapped in ice. Her bond with Thalga had strengthened, appreciating the dwarf's grounded nature and kindness, while an unspoken understanding had grown between her and Naomi, both naturally quiet.

Rose wished she could be more outspoken and tried her best to provide healing support. She felt connected to Vita through their shared experience of distant parents, but guilt gnawed at her for eavesdropping and sharing Vita's secret with Thalga. Rose was torn between keeping her friends close, as Lorelai advised, and visiting the Temple of Mortemus alone.

When news came about Sâdbarad and her mother's safety, Rose felt nothing, wondering if her numbness was to blame. She felt like a failed acolyte and daughter, because her mother had given up on her. Her feelings about Einar remained mixed, resentment and respect intertwined. Luckily, a new presence brought her hope, Aiden. And yet her bond with Harmonia deepened, even as anger toward 'Professor Askdyrnir's harsh study methods lingered.

During Rose's slumber, a voice asked if she regretted sharing a secret that wasn't hers. She acknowledged she had not meant harm but recognized the importance of restraint and respecting others’ stories.

Thalga's reflection

That night, Thalga recorded her findings into her holographical tablet. A report for the Council of Sâdbarad about last month's events so far. The report detailed her companions: Rose White as a loyal friend with unusual powers possibly connected to Mistress Harmonia. Vita Stormborn, with chaotic magic with fiery passion. And Naomi Kawakami, a friendly but reserved warrior from distant lands.

It noted Thalga’s progress in alchemy and herbalism, her discovery of magical potency linked to earth, and described Lumen Gidensera as strict but just, though recent developments suggested he might be hiding a tortured spirit, key to solving regional mysteries. Thalga’s personal thoughts reflected on dealing with the strange occurrences of the last month, expressing uncertainty about continuing while being grateful for her friends’ support. Everything felt like it was leading somewhere bigger than they could handle.

As Thalga prepared to head to bed, suddenly the tablet sprung to life again asking a question: "Send to Atabey-e-Ab?" Thalga presses "No" as an answer and the tablet shuts off. Although Thalga's confused that the question even popped up, she hadn't finished that feature yet.

Then a voice asked Thalga how she would make amends to a hurt friend. She reflected on forcing answers and insulting someone with thoughtless words, recognizing the importance of restraint even amongst friends.

Naomi's Nightmare

Naomi returned to her room uneasy, struggling with Vita’s request to end her life if she was about to be trapped in ice. A request against everything Naomi stood for. She tried meditating, but her thoughts raced, and feelings of powerlessness overwhelmed her.

Exhaustion eventually took over, and she fell asleep, slipping into a dream beginning with childhood flashbacks of training with her parents, leaving home, and meeting Laura. Fear crept in, shifting the dream to shadowy figures walking the path she had taken in Einar’s mansion. She followed them to the basement, seeing flashes of the past month: meeting the ladies, fighting cultists, dancing, the petrified dragonfolk and lionfolk, Lorelai casting black magic, and fighting the griffin.

Somewhere in that nightmare, she found herself before the icy crystal chamber door, where a figure stood with its back turned. It was Vita, trapped in ice and calling for help.
But then she hears a voice: "Do you really think I will allow you to become a steward now?

Naomi yells and charged forward into the darkness, only to find Vita petrified in her room along with the rest of the school, teachers, students, and friends turned to stone...

...

Rose, sleeping lightly, heard Naomi's yelling and rushed to her room. Rose found Naomi drenched in sweat, panicked, sitting in bed. Rose moves closer, placing a hand on Naomi's shoulder, and Naomi slowly came to her senses as their eyes met. Then Naomi heard a voice only she could hear, asking if she was ready to face what was yet to come, telling her she had shown integrity and restraint except for one forgiven moment.

The voice told her, "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important."

The voice instructed that if she ever needed assistance, she should speak the words, “Gilgamesh, embrace the sun.” Rose noticed Naomi's absent gaze. Rose recognized Naomi was hearing someone, and Naomi confirmed it was a heavy male voice that seemed familiar but unplaceable, a voice that Rose had heard asw well.

The Sun card fell from the blankets as Naomi shifted to the side of the bed, and Rose picked it up, confused. Rose instinctively handed Naomi a towel to wipe her sweat, and as Naomi used it, they both noticed the sweat turned to mist, evaporating as it was wiped away. Rose stood within arm’s length, both watching the phenomenon. Rose admitted she’d had a nightmare too, exhaustion evident in her voice. After a long moment, she turned to leave, needing rest.

Vita's Nightmare

Across the hall, Vita sat at her desk, struggling to write to her mother. Exhaustion weighed on her, but her mind raced with panic, outrage, and sadness as she processed the ballroom's vision. Her mother may have withheld information about the statues resembling her family. Vita felt betrayed, unsure how to ask for truth or what to write, not knowing where to begin while worried about possible letter interception. She wanted to speak to her mother in person, but distance made it impossible before school started. Frustration built, and she felt stuck, overwhelmed, eventually drifting to sleep.

...

When Vita opened her eyes, she held her mother Ameena's hand as they walked to the park, to the pond where they had picnicked when she was little. Her hands were smaller, her braid shorter. This was a childhood memory. Her mother asked her to pick a picnic spot by the lake, and Vita took the blanket, feeling freedom and nostalgia. As she approached the lake, she noticed a younger boy around fourteen skipping stones, calm and approachable. She looked back at her mother, who waited and smiled, giving her freedom to experience life without hesitation.

Eight-year-old Vita approached the boy, standing beside him and quietly watching before asking if she could try. The boy handed her a pebble and showed her how to skip rocks. She fumbled at first, but he offered guidance and another chance. They began talking.

The boy mentioned waiting for his older brother, he didn't get to see him that often anymore after a big fight when he left his family's home. Vita asked if he had other siblings; he said no, just one brother. Vita wished she had siblings, as it was just her and her mother. The boy skipped a rock that bounced ten times, impressing Vita. After practice, Vita succeeded in skipping a rock, feeling happy. The boy agreed to meet again to teach her how to sharpen pebbles, introducing himself as Tayleon.

Vita’s mother approached with a handsome man with a sun tattoo and lion-like hair, introducing him as Leander, her "boyfriend". Leander greeted Vita warmly, making her comfortable, and Vita rambled enthusiastically about throwing pebbles.

Leander showed genuine interest in Vita, which pleased Ameena. They decided to set up the picnic. Vita rushed back toward the lake but as she approached, Tayleon had vanished. A cold breeze swept up, the water froze, clouds formed, and snow fell from the entire sky. Vita looked around for Tayleon but couldn’t find him. When she turned back, her mother and Leander were gone too, the lake completely frozen...

Eight-year-old Vita called for her mother with no response. She saw a figure across the lake and approached. The figure became clearer—long white robes, long hair, pointed ears, and a strange crown. It was Einar.

Vita aware within the dream, realized who her younger self was approaching, but eight-year-old Vita was still trusting and rushed forward, intrigued by the unusual features. Then she saw the purplish aura and disdainful expression. Vita tried to exert control over her dream, but the eight-year-old Vita kept moving forward. Suddenly, the child was encased in ice as the figure walked away, leaving her younger self alone. The child banged on the crystal, screaming and crying for her mother until exhaustion overtook her, and there was only one thing to do... To sigh...

Vita woke up gasping in her room as she fell back from the chair onto the ground. It was early morning. Vita checked herself in the mirror to confirm she was normal, then decided she needed space and air. She rushed out of her room, dorm, and academy, still in her pajamas.

She made her way to the fountain in the Academy's square and plunged her hands into the water, trying to shock herself back to reality. Stewie jumped in beside her. As other students passed, a tall person with a crossbow and open jacket approached from behind, asking if she was okay.

Vita looked up, out of breath, explaining her nightmare. The person introduced themselves as Laura and immediately removed her red jacket, offering it to Vita. Vita accepted gratefully. Despite the awkward situation, Vita seemed relatively calm. Laura told her to return the jacket later, and Vita thanked her before shuffling back into the hallway, holding Stewie close, the jacket far too large on her frame. She looked back at Laura and waved awkwardly goodbye.

Back in the common room, Vita’s door stood wide open, a chair on the floor, and her bed unslept. On the desk sat a half-written letter with smudged ink. The others were awake now, noticing her absence. Thalga looked disheveled and unhappy, troubled by another night of bad sleep. Naomi had clearly had a nightmare too. They all looked exhausted.

Vita burst in wearing Laura's jacket, and awkward morning greetings began, with everyone noticing the ink smudge on Vita’s face. They discussed their terrible night—everyone slept terribly. Vita explained going outside to the fountain and meeting someone who helped her. The conversation turned to the jacket, which Naomi recognized. The ladies decided to freshen up and have breakfast before discussing anything further.

A messaging spell echoed through their minds suddenly, summoning Vita, Thalga, Rose, and Naomi to the combat arena below the academy in thirty minutes. A rush to get dressed ensued. Rose considered skipping, but the others were determined to attend. They quickly grabbed food, sandwiches and muffins, before heading to the arena.

Upon entering, Askdyrnir was already on a platform, instructing them to take positions. Vita’s stress worked against her, the ladies found themselves separated in a desert scenario, struggling to see through a sandstorm. Desert hounds cornered them again, it was the same scenario as last time, Rose dodged a griffon's attack and took it out using her magic in a manner inspired by Naomi’s technique.

Vita had several magic surges during training, flowers growing in the desert, a spell backfiring that caused a hound to bite her. The training took the rest of the day, and by evening they returned utterly exhausted. They were too tired to consider going out.

As they relaxed on the comfortable sofas with pillows and blankets, Vita’s thoughts drifted back to the jacket and Laura. She glanced at Naomi, silently acknowledging the connection she had realized. The conversation naturally turned to Lauraai and getting to know her better. Naomi’s reactions were shy and expressive, allowing the others to understand her feelings without words.

Suddenly Stewie trotted over to Thalga holding a long piece of lavender in his mouth. Interestingly, when Thalga took it in her hand, and thought of Jasmine, it transformed into a jasmine flower! They discussed the flower’s origin, and Vita recalled leaving flowers during training. Rose admitted she had taken the Lavender flower and left it in her room among her books, where she worked on her poetry collection. Somehow, it ended up back with them after Stewie found it.

The conversation turned to their dreams and the voice of the previous night. Noami, Thalga and Rose had received guidance from a strong male voice in their minds, offering the wisdom of restraint, and careful speech. Rose apologized to Vita for partially telling something she had overheard without meaning to hurt anyone. While Thalga apologized for indirectly insulting Vita's mother. And the ladies ended up making a promise to always trust each other and confide without making assumptions.

Suddenly, the ladies heard something tip over in Thalga's room. Thalga noticed the large crystal, that she received from Prince Solaris II, that had once been blackened now sparkled with a tiny blue light. As she touched it, she felt a faint pulse, like a heartbeat, and realized it contained a trace of arcane energy. Thalga attempted to focus her breathing on the crystal, but the energy remained too weak to respond.

The conversation shifted once more back to the strange voice that Thalga, Naomi and Rose heard that night, and suddenly the voice began to speak again!

The voice eminating from Naomi's room. Naomi brought out the Sun card from her room, at first the other ladies were confused why she had it in the first place. But then the spirit within, Gilgamesh appeared before the ladies and shared that he had allowed her to be his Keeper, for now.

Gilgamesh explained that "The Sun Card" of the Mythos Concept Deck is inadvertently linked to his original tome, meaning that he can be in two places at once. Vita apologizes for not returning The Sun card to Kaedlin's room. Naomi asks Gilgamesh if he was the one who opened the door to the Breiðablik Hall, to which Gilgamesh responds "I told you, I wouldn't be stopping you." Gilgamesh proclaims that he knows that Einar needs help, but that he won't accept his, or anyone's.

Rose sensed the purple scars on Gilgamesh, wounded and painful, yet reflecting a strong desire to protect others. He described an emptiness—which to Rose felt as the same Void that swallowed the town of Kall-Carie.

The ladies asked Gilgamesh how to approach Einar, who had wiped their memories before, but as Gilgamesh tries answer her questions, the scars on his body pulse violently, as Gilgamesh explains that he cannot speak about certain topics, but does make clear that Kaedlin hadn't left her door open on a whim, Vita asks if Kaedlin knew that they would visit, but Gilgamesh tells them that he cannot speak on it. But that 'this' is their opportunity to speak about it freely with Einar's desire to keep it all hidden away.

Vita immediately asks "Is she me?", but once more Gilgamesh reminds her that he cannot answer that question. Naomi asks him if helping Einar also means they can help him, to which Gilgamesh answers that if Einar is freed from the burden, then hopefully he'll be too.

Vita asks if Gilgamesh knows where Einar is, and Gilgamesh explains that Einar has blocked him out, meaning he cannot read his thoughts. When the girl's ask what he means, he explains that the bond between Legend and Keeper grants them to share their thoughts with one another, their bond is a two-way-connection.

Rose takes out her book that she received from Mistress Harmonia, as far as she knows.
Gilgamesh's eyes go widened as he proclaims that she possesses a LegendKeeper. When Rose asks what it is, Gilgamesh in return asks her 'who resides within', but Rose cannot answer that question. Rose gives a pained responds that she's hoping, but also not hoping that her sister Snow might reside within.

Gilgamesh asks her when the book appeared to her, and she explains that the book just appeared one day, and the tome possessed a series of useful simple spells. Gilgamesh asked her if an incantation came to mind when she received it, but Rose says that it didn't.

Gilgamesh wonders if she may not be ready yet, but Rose disagrees, stating that she has been ready for a long time. Gilgamesh responds that he understands her pain, he can feel it too. But that believing you are ready, doesn't mean that you are. He then continues that he cannot answer that for any of them, only that the previous four have failed to help Einar.

Thalga asks Gilgamesh if perhaps, now that he has revealed himself to them, that he can help them reach Einar, however as much as Gilgamesh wants to say, he cannot. He's able to mutter out: "Find The Mirror." before commenting that he's starting to feel the displeasure of pain once more.

Vita wonders if perhaps her mother may know more, Vita asks Gilgamesh if perhaps she can help them reach him, and Gilgamesh responds that "The only one when all the voices just stopped." She was the one person whose thoughts he couldn't hear, having a calming effect on him. Gilgamesh asks Vita a question, "Would you like to see?"

Vita, Naomi, Thalga and Rose all agree, and as they touched the card, they were drawn into a vision. They find themselves in Ameena's room in Einar's Mansion, witnessing a conversation between Ameena and Feronis, a black-furred lionfolk attendant trying to help with her illness—nausea, headaches, and an inability to relax. Feronis determining she didn't have a fever but was quite warm, asking if she'd eaten anything strange.

Ameena shared she felt jittery and couldn't relax, trusting Feronis enough to share more. She explained to him that she was 'late', Feronis not immediately getting what she meant, asked her for details. Ameena, trusting Feronis with the truth decided to tell him that she and Einar had an intimate moment a few weeks ago, and now she missed her period.

Ameena revealed she thought she was pregnant, which was considered impossible as Luminary and Humans cannot have children together. In fact, Luminary do not bear life from union, for their kind is born of light, not flesh. Ameena wanted to discuss it with Einar. But Feronis told her to stay in bed today and that he'll attend to her tasks.

Later that evening, Feronis returned with another lionfolk, who introduced himself as Rahmar. Feronis asked Ameena to share what she shared with him, and she did.
The white-furred lionfolk seemed just as confused as Feronis, even skeptical if Ameena told the truth, but Feronis believed her, and so convinced Rahmar to do too. Rahmar, fefore leaving mentioned that he'll need to do research on it, since there's no account of Luminary and a Human having a child together. Feronis and Ameena agreed to tell Einar tomorrow.

The vision shifted to the throne room where Einar sat in the throne room. Feronis approached Einar but remained at a 30 feet distance, this immediately made Einar wonder if something was the matter, because it was unlike him to do so. Einar asked him what was the matter, Feronis proclaimed at Ameena wanted to talk to him, and so Ameena approached. She immediately stepped closer, even closer within 15 feet.

Einar asked her what was the matter, instantly glowing up when he saw her. Even before Ameena could tell him what she wanted to tell, Einar immediately ordered Feronis for him to take over her tasks. As Vita, Thalga, Rose and Naomi watched the confrontation, they immediately noticed, Einar cannot read her thoughts, and Gilgamesh's voice was heard. She's immune.

"Einar, I... I... am pregnant."

Einar's face darkened, turning away from her, and immediately asked her.

"Who is it? Is... Is he a good man?"

But Ameena immediately responded that "I've only been with you, Einar."

Einar didn't believe her, the only person who's mind he couldn't read. He once more reminded her that 'Luminary do not reproduce, that way.'

He demanded to know the truth, but every time that Ameena tried to tell him the truth, he didn't believe her, accusing her of lying and asking if she'd been with someone else.

Einar then accused Feronis and the situation escalated. Einar became more and more intense, demanding to know who the father was while Feronis stepped forward to defend himself, while Ameena insisted she was telling the truth and that she loved him.

But Einar wouldn't... couldn't believe her, in his yelling he proclaimed "Solari told me that there would only be one spark! YOU ARE GOING TO TELL ME, RIGHT NOW.

'WHO. WAS. IT."

Einar's anger caused the whole palace to shake, as the ice began to melt, Feronis tried to calm Einar down, but it was to no avail. Einar's scars started to glow, as he became surrounded by a purple and yellow glow. Einar's rage reached a boiling point, he snaps his finger and Ameena's flame gemstone turned black, causing her to instantly suffer from the cold of the palace, Feronis rushed to her side to shield her.

"Einar! What are you doing?!"

"GET. OUT. BOTH OF YOU. NOW!"

Suddenly, the white-furred lionfolk rushed into the throne room, rushing to Einar as Ameena and Feronis fled the throne room. As the vision ended, Gilgamesh spoke once more. "Now you know what happened." before returning them to the academy room.

The ladies discussed the implications of the vision. What did Einar mention about 'only one spark?' Is he implying Viða? But what about Vita? There should only be one spark, but what if there were two? Two different alternate realities? Was Viða trapped in ice related to Vita's existence? The idea was proposed that Viða may have been the first spark and something went wrong, allowing a new spark to be possible?

The ladies noticed that Gilgamesh's form was fading, having used much energy to show them the vision. The ladies thanked Gilgamesh for telling them the truth, and he returned back to the card to rest. The group continued their discussion, the whereabouts of the white-furred lionfolk Rahmar are unknown, and they noted Einar's passive mind-reading is only within thirty feet range, something they should be aware of.

The group needed to figure out how to help Einar and convince him to open up to them. with Vita's mother potentially providing a way to reach him since she seemed immune to his mind-reading. Vita planned to talk to her mother, possibly in person. But Vita's mother lived in Leónopolis, which was at least a three days travel. In her mind she thought of a plan, perhaps Prince Ramiel and his dragon could her? She could at least ask?

Exhausted from the vision, the ladies wanted to go to bed, hoping for uninterrupted sleep, as another combat training would be waiting for them the following day. Suddenly, a message was shoved under their door. It was from Professor Lorelai, which they now know is more than just a professor. She's a Steward of Solaris too.

The letter mentioned, "As promised, some additional time off. No training tomorrow."

The letter then self-destructed by turning into a leaf, and going through the four stages of the seasons. The ladies were grateful for the extra time to investigate, though wary...

The next morning, Rose rose early, heading to the library to do research. The others had a relatively normal morning. Vita shared her plan to travel quickly, possibly by air using Prince Ramiel Accoson Talosta's dragon, after realizing that traveling by road would take too long. The other ladies responded skeptically but remained open to possibilities.

The fastest route would be by dragon, potentially the same one whose eggs they had saved. They debated how much information to reveal to Prince Ramiel Accoson Talosta, deciding honesty was the best policy if pressed.

With their day off, they decided their first stop was returning Laura's jacket and leaving a thank-you gift, with a visit to the Drake House afterward. following it with a visit the Temple of the Undecided.

They decided to go by foot, perhaps they would find a nice shop along the way, estimating a forty-five-minute walk. Along the way, they discussed finding a gift suitable for Laura, who appreciated craftsmanship and artistic tools.

They spotted a tinkering shop with various tools. Inside, a small Pouchfoot figure with spiky hair worked, assisted by an Hordeling apprentice. Naomi admired a grappling hook launcher behind a glass container. Browsing further, they discovered a telescopic spyglass with gemstone embellishments, perfect for perception and investigation.

Vita purchased it, wrapped in red paper with a bow by the Hordeling assistant. They inquired about the grappling gauntlet. The shopkeeper mentioned also having a special orders for the upcoming Luminary Day at the end of this month.

They proceeded to the blacksmith shop, welcomed by Thalga's dwarven cousin Dzharo.

Unfortunately, they just missed her. Laura had left a few hours ago, Dzharo mentioned that she's possibly heading to the Henna artist at the Temple of the Undecided. The ladies decided to leave the jacket with a thank-you note and kept the gift for personal delivery later. Thalga also purchased a small ingot of green-tinted adamantium suitable for miniature armor for Stewie, Stewie approved of the color choice.

Dzharo asked Thalga if she had received her 'monthly update', and Thalga decided to tell him about the elemental storm that hit Sâdbarad. Dzharo was surprised that the Sentinels had not reported the news. Thalga didn't seem to be worried much about Dzharo's incapability to keep his mouth shut. The dwarf offered to craft light armor for Rose for fifty gold pieces, which she could pick up in two days.

The new plan was to visit the temple first, then the Drake house, as the temple was on the way and Rose and Vita wished to go there anyway, they still had to figure out that the secret of that little mysterious dice.

The temple was grand, ancient in style, with an entrance gate and a square filled with stalls and activities. It was a place for ceremonies, trade, and discussion. The temple itself was more akin to a museum than an actual temple. The ladies passed by a fletcher’s stall with glowing arrows—fire, ice, and thunder—that improved accuracy and dealt elemental damage but were prohibited in the city. The ladies bought a bunch of arrows.

Rose inquired about magic books and learned the temple housed many that could be borrowed with the headcleric’s Anvari's permission, though vendors mostly sold stories. She overheard that occasionally, other merchants appeared with rare magical books and items.

The ladies spotted a tattoo artist’s stall, where they witnessed a large taufolk man getting a golde tattoo, similar to the magical silver tattoo of Erin. Another nearby merchant informing them that these tattoo's are expensive but can grant all kinds of special unique effects and enchantments.

Vita then saw Laura buying something from another booth, Laura smiling and blushing. The ladies approached, with Vita leading and Naomi following. Vita approached Laura, who stepped away from a booth with cloth and clothing. They exchanged greetings, Laura was surprised to see them.

Vita explained they had returned the jacket and brought her a gift, with Vita telling Laura that Naomi helped her in picking it out. Laura was delighted with the spyglass and expressed appreciation, though she seemed slightly uncomfortable in the moment.

When Vita asked what she was doing earlier at the Academy, she mentioned that she had an appointment with Professor Kalashar for a project, and that she often loved visiting here because of all the stalls, and that she was thinking of getting one of these blessed tattoo, currently opting for the non-permanent Henna alternatives.

She mentioned knowing the artist Naqshgar personally, since he originated from Acalchi Island. The ladies asked if Laura could accompany them to go into the temple or even having a 'girl's day out'. Laura responded that she still had some errands to run today, but did appreciate the invitation. She would be following-up on it. Naomi not being able to bring a word out this entire time, with Laura blushing in return as well.

Thalga spotted a very fancy green piece of cloth hanging out of her shopping bag...
Laura then quickly left, Naomi exhaling as if holding her breath.

Vita brought up Laura's odd way of leaving in a hurry, Naomi’s behavior and Laura's effect on her. It definitely seemed as if Laura was hiding something or perhaps was even embarassed about something. When Vita pushed the subjec, she caught the ire of Legend Gilgamesh ushering Vita to restrain herself in meddling with other's their personal affairs. The ladies then entered the temple, intent on meeting with Headcleric Anvari.

Key Information Summary

Evening of Reflection

After the discovery beneath Einar’s mansion, the four ladies—Rose, Thalga, Naomi, and Vita—spent the night reflecting on recent events, each experiencing dreams or reflecting on personal conflicts and an unseen force guiding them.

Rose’s Reflection

• Personal struggles: Rose worried for her friends, especially Vita and her frozen counterpart. She felt guilty for sharing Vita’s secret but sought redemption through prayer to Harmonia.

• Faith and family: News about her mother left her numb, causing her to question her worth as both acolyte and daughter. She felt resentment and respect toward Einar.

• Dream message: A mysterious voice asked if she regretted betraying a confidence. Rose realized the value of restraint and respecting others’ stories.

Thalga’s Reflection

• Research and reporting: Thalga compiled her findings for the Council of Sâdbarad, analyzing her companions’ abilities and personalities. Thalga sensed a larger destiny forming around them.

• Strange event: Her holographic tablet briefly activated on its own, asking “Send to Atabey-e-Ab?”—a function she hadn’t completed... odd... She declined to send it.

• Dream message: A voice asked how she would make amends to a hurt friend, prompting her to reflect on her bluntness and learn compassion.

Naomi’s Nightmare

• Inner conflict: Naomi wrestled with Vita’s request to kill her if she ever turned to ice—a direct challenge to her morals.

• Nightmare sequence: Haunted by memories of training and companionship, she dreamt of Einar’s mansion filled with petrified victims, including Vita.

• Supernatural encounter: A powerful male voice commended her courage and restraint, instructing her to call upon him with the words “Gilgamesh, embrace the sun.”

• Awakening: Rose comforted a panicked Naomi, witnessing her sweat evaporate into mist. Naomi revealed she and Rose both heard the same mysterious voice.

• Symbolic item: The Sun card fell from Naomi’s bed, later revealed to house the spirit Gilgamesh itself.

Vita’s Nightmare

• Emotional turmoil: Vita struggled to write to her mother, overwhelmed by doubts and grief over the statue visions.

• Dream of the past: She relived a childhood picnic where she met Tayleon, a kind boy, before her dream turned cold and Einar appeared.

• Transformation to horror: The scene froze, trapping her younger self in ice as Einar walked away, leaving her helpless.

• Aftermath: Waking shaken, Vita fled outside for air, where she met Laura, a compassionate young mechanic who offered her jacket.

• Morning aftermath: The group reunited, sharing their restless night and agreeing to attend combat training together despite exhaustion.

Training and Recovery

• Combat trial: Askdyrnir’s simulated desert test separated the team. Vita’s uncontrolled surges caused flowers to bloom and spells to misfire.

• End of day: The exhausted group recovered together, sharing comforts on the couches in their rooms.

• Apologies and promises: Rose and Thalga apologized to Vita for previous missteps. The group promised mutual trust and openness.

• Strange phenomena: Thalga’s crystal from Prince Solaris II began to pulse faintly with blue light.

• Manifestation: Gilgamesh appeared from the Sun Card, explaining that Naomi had become his temporary Keeper.

Gilgamesh’s Guidance

• Nature of Gilgamesh: A powerful spirit linked to the “Ascellean Sun Card” and his original tome, capable of existing in multiple places.

• Warnings: He revealed Einar’s suffering and the corruption connected to his past, but claimed certain truths were sealed by pain.

• Rose’s book: Gilgamesh identified her tome as a LegendKeeper, a vessel housing a being—possibly her sister Snow?

• Hints of a greater task: Gilgamesh urged them to “Find the Mirror.” but something is preventing him from speaking what he wants to say.

Vision of Ameena and Einar

• Shared vision: Touching the Sun Card transported them to Einar’s mansion, where they witnessed Ameena confessing to Feronis that she believed she was pregnant with Einar’s child.

• The impossible: Luminary beings supposedly cannot reproduce sexually, causing disbelief and turmoil.

• Einar’s fury: Unable to read Ameena’s mind, Einar accused her of lying to him. In rage, he disables her gemstone, and banishing her from his mansion.

• Aftermath: The vision ended with Gilgamesh confirming, “Now you know what happened.”

Aftermath of the Vision

• Interpretations: The group debated the meaning of Einar’s “one spark” prophecy—speculating that Vita and Viða might represent two realities or iterations.

• Strategic insights: They learned Einar’s mind-reading only worked within thirty feet and that Ameena was immune.

• Resolution: Vita wants to speak with her mother in Leónopolis for answers.

Morning After

• Unexpected reprieve: A letter from Professor Lorelai granted them a day off, self-destructing after reading. The next day, Rose began early research in the library. The others joined later, discussing fast travel options to reach Leónopolis, considering talking to Prince Ramiel.

Errands and Encounters

• Returning the jacket: The group bought a spyglass as a thank-you gift for Laura, then visited Thalga’s cousin Dzharo at his forge. Dzharo offered to craft Rose light armor. Thalga purchased green-tinted adamantium for Stewie-sized armor. Thalga informed Dzharo about the elemental storms in Sâdbarad against better judgement.

• Temple visit: They decided to visit the Temple of the Undecided next.

At the Temple of the Undecided

• Marketplace scene: The temple grounds resembled a bustling plaza with enchantments, arrows, and magic tattoos for sale.

• Laura encounter: The group saw Laura buying cloth and speaking to a Henna artist named Naqshgar.

• Gift exchange: Vita gave Laura the spyglass, expressing gratitude with Naomi’s help. Laura was pleased but uneasy for some reason, she had something to hide.

• Hints of mystery: Laura declined an invitation to join them for a visit to the Temple, appearing flustered towards Naomi.

• Cautionary voice: When Vita pressed the topic, Gilgamesh warned her not to pry into others’ affairs. The group then proceeded to meet Headcleric Anvari and enter the temple.