Dexter

Yotul and Borba just stared at me as I explained my idea. I wanted them to continue working with Oghash, but to share anything they discovered with my group. I'd wouldn't pursue taking the gauntlet from her, but I'd still fill out the complaint form. I told them about the enchantment that was supposedly on the crown and the theory I'd just come up with. "I'm pretty sure the crown and one of the gauntlets are linked. When both are worn, their enchantment is completed. It might be the same for that shawl and the other gauntlet. I don't like that Oghash has it; but since one of her friends has that shawl, I'm okay with letting her keep it. I just need you two to help me keep track of what they discover. In exchange, I'll let you two in on my group. I'll even let you have access to some of the textbooks I have."

They glanced at each other as I finished. Yotul was the first to speak up. "The offer is appealing, but does this solution not seem underhanded to you?" She asked.

I grinned as I rubbed my head. "It's definitely underhanded, but that's exactly why she won't expect it. She's anticipating me getting to her through the Institute. I doubt she's aware that we know each other. Plus, it'll give us another perspective on how the artifacts work."

Borba stared at me warily as I sat there. "Still, no mage would ever consider this tactic. Even speaking of it seems dishonorable."

I let out a giddy chuckle as I gestured in Borba's direction. "hehe That's what makes it so perfect. This isn't something normally done so she won't think to anticipate it. Us humans have a saying back home, all is fair in love and war. I offered an olive branch back in the cave and she chose to fight. As such, I'm going to do everything in my power to diminish hers. If she ends up making a weapon out of the gauntlet and shawl, I'll make a counter. She shouldn't be allowed the upper hand because of this. I want to make absolutely sure she doesn't think about threatening others again. If that comes about from the complaint form, all the better, but I should be prepared for her to double down if and when she finishes her punishment." Yotul and Borba stared at me as they seemed to consider my proposal. "If they accept, they'll be putting themselves at risk of Oghash's wrath, not to mention the potential dishonor in the eyes of the Institute as a whole. Then again, I'm more likely to argue the case for research espionage than for the return of a single item. One is a strategic move, the other is an action relative to one object. I can also chalk the espionage up to me talking with friends about what we found out about the artifacts. I can't think of an argument for the gauntlet beyond ‘they coerced them'. There's a chance that Oghash could argue that it was a consensual exchange. Depending on how the Institute conducts their interviews, they might actually side with Oghash." I gestured to the stack of pages in front of me as I continued to grin. "So, what do you think? You up for a bit of espionage."

Yotul and Borba were quiet for one more minute before Borba finally let out a sigh. "I have misgivings about your plan, but I can also see the benefits of it. I will follow your idea so long as our exchange of information is mutual. Thus, if we are scrutinized by the Institute, we can claim it was a mutual discussion of magical artifacts. We merely neglected to share what you told us."

I nodded and gave a thumbs up. "Excellent idea. I was just thinking the same thing." I then turned and looked at Yotul expectantly. "What about you? Are you in?" I asked. She shifted from foot to foot and still seemed unsure about the idea.

She finally let out a sigh and shrugged. "I suppose I could participate, but I would like some insight into your outsider knowledge. I sometimes feel at a disadvantage when you talk. You speak so rapidly that I often find what you said somewhat confusing." I stared at her blankly. I never expected to have my speech compared to theirs. I guess it was a little jarring to realize I wasn't the only one a bit unfamiliar with the mannerisms I was hearing.

I shook my head to clear it then nodded and gave another thumbs up. "Feel free. You'll probably find an idea that rockets the magical world a bit further into the future. I already gave Garahk permission to peruse my collection. I don't see why you can't as well."

Yotul grinned slightly at my response and bowed. "Thank you. I greatly appreciate it."

I nodded and waved them off as I glanced around. "No problem. Now get going. The longer we talk the more of a chance that someone from Oghash's group spots us talking. Come by the barn whenever you have time."

Borba nodded as she glanced around then grabbed Yotul's hand. "May fortune smile upon you." She said before leading Yotul away. Yotul turned and waved goodbye, prompting me to do the same as my sore muscles came back to the forefront of my thoughts. "Alright. Unexpected, but good. I'll have to make sure to keep my anger in check. I don't expect the Institute offers classes for when I go overboard again." I turned back to the stack of parchment and continued writing. "Once I'm done with defensive magic, I can try to find Brokil and see if he knows where I can learn that detection spell. It'll be good to know what a spell can do without having to interfere with it."

Amelia

I was kind of amazed when I met Dexter at the front of the Institute and he filled me in on what had happened. I had no idea two of the mages knew Dexter, nor that they were less than friends with Oghash. I was even more surprised when he told me about the plan he'd devised with them. "Espionage? Really?" I asked.

Dexter nodded insistently as he leaned on a pillar and massaged his thighs. "Oghash won't expect Borba or Yotul to be feeding us information. Their idea of espionage is likely very much in the musing stage. I doubt their sense of honor would allow them to think of it beyond that. With us, however, they're about to be introduced with potentially hundreds of different ideas they might have never considered."

I looked at him skeptically as we stood under the roof of the Institute's porch. "That seems a bit generous. It probably took hundreds of people to plan out some of the ideas you're referring to. It might take a while for a single person to recreate them."

Dexter paused for a second as he seemed to consider then raised his hand and tilted it back and forth. "I think I have a history book somewhere in the barn. I could try and make some facsimiles out of what's in there. It won't be the same, what with the differences in tech, but it might work if I improve what I can."

I let out a thoughtful hum as I glanced at the guards waiting outside the gate. "Either way, you've managed to technically double the research we have access to. I'm not sure what the others will think of it, but it's still beneficial to us. I just hope they don't figure out that connection before we can conduct research of our own."

Dexter nodded as he pointed his thumb towards the door. "I told them to hold off on suggesting to wear the shawl and gauntlet together, at least until we get the crown back. I want to see first-hand what happens before I see any other variations of the enchantment. If our gauntlet turns out to be real, it'll be better if we set it as the baseline for any potential outcomes. I even told Bruga to find Dumag and meet us back at the barn. I couldn't find Brokil, Salthu, or Gremach, but we'll fill them in as we start experimenting. I want a closer look at that gauntlet first."

I nodded as I glanced at the front gate again and gestured towards the guards. "We should get going then. I have some potion work to do and I'd imagine you'd want to do the same for your healing class, at least before Bruga and Dumag arrive."

Dexter paused nodded as he pulled at the straps of his backpack and began hobbling towards the gate. "Definitely. Come on, let's get to it." I nodded as I slowly walked beside him. I took a leisurely pace, ensuring that he didn't try to rush, as we made our way back to the barn.

Once we got back to the barn we split off to work on our own studies. I worked with the miniature cauldron to carefully brew a potion while Dexter turned to his texts on healing. I gradually made the potion according to his instructions. "No need to stress. It's like a recipe or a chemistry experiment. Just follow the directions and it'll be fine." The unfamiliarity of potion making was still unnerving, even after dozens of assignments and various concoctions. I doubt the brain has a natural reaction to a flower petal that gives off a cold smoke when crushed. In any case, Dexter seemed just as uneasy as he read through his book. From where I sat, I could glance up and see his confusion steadily grow as he worked. By the time Bruga and Dumag finally showed up and I'd finished with my work, he was muttering to himself as he wrote in an open notebook. He looked up only when one of them rapped on the front door. I set down the cauldron I was now cleaning and moved to open it. Dexter followed suit as he hurriedly closed the book he was writing in and began slowly following me towards the door.

I pulled it open to reveal Bruga and Dumag. Dexter grinned at them as he waved them inside. "You're just in time. Did you tell Dumag about my idea?" He asked, directing the question towards Bruga.

Bruga nodded as she and Dumag stepped in. "He seemed unsure at first but has since warmed to the notion." She then turned and grinned up at Dumag.

Dumag paused for a second then reluctantly nodded as he reached into his satchel and pulled out the gauntlet. "It seems unlikely, but your revelation about the gauntlets being keys were correct so I cannot discount other outlandish theories."

Dexter grinned slightly as he gently bit his thumb and stared at the gauntlet. "I'd kind of be surprised if they actually play off of each other. All I know is the crown is supposed to be enchanted and that it might need another artifact to work. Of course, I won't get the crown for another week, but for now, we can still see what the gauntlet has to offer." Dexter then turned and waved them over to the table he was working at. They followed as he pushed the books aside and cleared a spot for the gauntlet. Dexter gestured to it as he stepped back and moved around the table. "Go ahead and set it here. You know that probing spell Brokil uses, right? I walked around the Institute for a bit today trying to find him, but I couldn't see him."

Dumag nodded as he dropped the gauntlet onto the hardwood top. "It is a relatively simple incantation. There is also a simpler one that may allow you a better understanding of spells if you learn it. If I recall correctly, it is one of the first spells taught to new mages."

Dexter nodded in response as he gestured at the pile of books next to the gauntlet. "I've been slow going to learn the ones I need, but I'm getting there. I underestimated the sheer number of basic spells there are. I've had to prioritize some over others due to practicality. I've flat out skipped a few because I'm not planning on learning shapeshifting anytime soon."

Dumag let out an almost disconnected hum as he pulled a chair over and sat in it. "The Institute does not mandate any mage to learn all of them. It sees them as a way for the mage to test which field of magic best suits them. If they feel they have a . . personal reluctance for any study, the Institute will allow them to forgo that field."

Dexter stared at Dumag as he sat down, and I moved around the table to join him. "You say that as if you don't." He noted.

Dumag was silent for a minute as Bruga slowly sat in her own chair and Dexter's words gently probed at Dumag's thoughts. "I do not." Dumag finally admitted. "The magical world is vast and there are a great many techniques in certain fields that can be used to improve others. The combination of magical space and enchanted skins are what allowed me to create my pouches. I am certain that there are similar advancements that could be discovered if the mages were not so . . . limited in their knowledge."

Dexter grinned as he reached up and scratched his face. "That's basically going to be my plan for a weapon. I'll learn as much as I'm able to about a couple field of research and throw in a bit of science to give them a good kick. I'm still in the learning phase right now, but the number of limits I know about has grown. Right now, my ideas are mostly limited by material cost and power supply. The only other thing that's holding me back now is the fear of me finding a big roadblock when I try to make the weapon. It would suck to find out what I'm making requires a very limited resource to use."

Dumag slowly nodded as Bruga gently rubbed at her arm. "Remarkably wise. In any case, we should turn our attention to the object of your summons. If we put in enough study, we may be able to gain some insight into Vedug's method of magic."

Dexter nodded as he leaned forward and let out a long sigh. "Right. Let's start picking it apart. You can tell us where to find that probing spell later." Dumag nodded as he leaned forward and began gesturing over the gauntlet. Within a few minutes, Dumag had reached into his bag again and pulled out a roll of parchment as he began writing.

For the rest of the day, we did our best to pick apart what the gauntlet was capable of. We knew it was meant as a key for the Archive, but the other enchantments proved difficult to unravel. The best any of us could tell, it was meant to enhance spells and give added protection to the wearer. As for the stones embedded into the metal, we were completely lost on what they did. There were also parts of the enchantments that were almost entirely beyond any of our understanding. "It can never be easy, can it." Dexter muttered angrily.

I tapped my finger absentmindedly as I stared at the parchment before me. It held the equivalent of . . I guess the source code for the gauntlet's enchantment. However, it definitely wasn't as neat as that. We'd been taught to read stuff like this at the Institute, but this made almost zero sense to me. Dumag had decades of experience with stuff like this, but even he said it was difficult to interpret. "It is as if the gauntlet was imbued with this magic in a single event. Most of the enchantments were not given time to set into the gems before the others were layered on. The only one immediately distinguishable is the enchantment meant to unlock the archive. The others are a complete mess of design."

Dexter let out another low growl as he stared at the spread of parchment, glancing at each of them and weaving his hand back and forth. "This looks like someone smashed a bunch of schematics together, but surely we can use this. Even tech scraps are useful if they're unique tech scraps. Can we at least study this to help decode their method of spell casting?"

Dumag gazed over the mess we'd managed to create as he meticulously wrote on more parchment. "Perhaps, but it would be difficult to do so. This is but a single object and we cannot be certain where one enchantment stops, and another begins. For all that is known, the enchantment could be an extempore enchantment and we are merely wasting time attempting to decipher the various effects."

Dexter sat back and began rubbing his forearm as he looked up at Dumag. "What is ‘extempore' anyway? I heard it back at the repository, but I couldn't tell what it means."

Dumag gestured at the gauntlet as he paused in his writing. "Extempore is a high level of spell casting. It is a skill only a select few mages utilize. It entails forcing your raw will onto the world. Very few are truly gifted with such an art and it requires decades of training to accomplish. Unfortunately, by then, the spells one can use it for are often manageable in a single gesture, removing almost all need of it. However, I know the Magistrates are trained to extend this beyond the basic spells and use extempore for all but their most powerful incantations. Extempore enchantments are notorious for their indecipherability."

Dexter let out a low whistle as he leaned back and put his hands on the back of his head. "Sounds impressive. Is extempore similar to what happened to me at that battle?"

Dumag shrugged as he scratched his chin. "Perhaps. There have been occasions where skillful mages discover their powers after using them in dire circumstances. It is not out of the realm of possibility that your latent extempore skills responded to your will."

Dexter's lips curved up into a wide smile. "Awesome." He sighed. "I'll need to find time to learn that. How long does it usually take to learn? Actually, did you ever learn it?"

Dumag nodded as he extended his hand, palm up. His face contorted in concentration as a strange black mist began accumulating on his hand. After a second or two, his hand was completely covered in the material, wafting out wherever it could as a black puddle gradually filled his palm. Suddenly, some of the smoke rose and coalesced into a cube above his palm and gently floated there. Dumag held it for a few seconds then suddenly let out a loud sigh and the mist vanished along with the cube. Dumag panted for a bit before straightening again. "That is the extent of my skills at present." He explained. "I spent several years simply learning to bring my will into the world. That small illusion is all I have learned to do since."

I sat back and stretched as I looked at Dumag. "Illusion? I assumed you'd want to use that skill for combat spells. Why use learn illusion first?"

Dumag gestured at himself as he explained. "Evidently it is where my natural skill lies. My affinity is aligned with the illusionary arts. I must first master that use of gem-less extempore before I can expand it beyond the magic of facades. I despise the art as a whole, but I cannot change where my ease originates."

Dexter's brows furrowed as he stared at Dumag. "Is that why your hand turned kind of black?" He asked.

Dumag nodded. "The essence of onyx tends to accumulate as a mist. It is the only one that acts as such."

Dexter continued to stare at Dumag in confusion. "Essence? Is that what you call it?" Dumag nodded. Dexter paused for another second before asking another question. "What are the other essences?"

Dumag paused for a minute as he seemed to give the question some thought. Then he reached for a blank piece of parchment and began writing as he explained. "There are seven essences in total, each one associated with a gemstone." He wrote a series of seven symbols as he described them and their form. "Ruby, topaz, emerald, sapphire, amethyst, quartz, onyx. The essence of ruby is associated with rituals and potions of alchemy. It takes the form of filaments that wrap and bind the rituals. The essence of topaz is one of healing and vitality. Healing spells involve beaded light that returns strength and energy to the target. The essence of emerald covers all magic involving elemental manipulation. It too uses tendrils to enact the caster's will on the world. The essence of sapphire aids in the transformation and transmutation of alchemy. Their acts give off a radiant light as the user transforms their body. The essence of amethyst is an essence of the mind and allows these mages to attune their magic to the headspace of others. The light in Garahk's study was designed to encourage creative thought in anyone present. The essence of quartz allows users to gaze at events yet to pass. If you wish to know when they are gazing into the future, their eyes will often give off a radiant glow. And finally, the essence of onyx, the foil of Quartz. It clouds the future by creating false objects that have no true bearing on the world. The mist that these spells generate tends to briefly remain, even after the spell is completed. These symbols encompass all that can be accomplished using magic."

Dexter and I stared at the page of symbols curiously. Dumag had drawn a letter beneath each of them to distinguish which was associated with which essence. They were each composed of a series of simple shapes, combined to make distinct emblems. Dexter ran his finger along the line as he studied them. "Interesting." He mused.

I nodded as I sat back and stretched. "It's to be expected. Philosophically, there are endless ways to divide up the world. The same could be said for magic. You just have to know where to draw the lines."

Dexter yawned as he looked at the scattered papers again. "Haah Something new to learn. Though considering the research required, I'll have to hold off on trying to figure it out. For now, let's gather this up and get copies to Gremach and Brokil. It'll probably help them figure out the spellstones." Dumag nodded as he and Dexter began pulling the parchment into piles.

I stood and stretched as I let out a yawn of my own. "Haaah Looks like we're done for today. Do you want help packing up or have you two got this?"

Dexter shook his head as he stacked the parchment as best he could and set it next to the pile Dumag was making. "No, we're done anyway. Can you get these papers to Brokil? He'll probably want to look at them first."

Dumag nodded as he stood, Bruga following his lead. "I'll ensure they receive these notes. We can continue our examination of the artifact tomorrow. Unfortunately, if what you mused of the crown is true, we may require it to understand the enchantment on the gauntlet."

Dexter let out an exhausted groan as he sat back and rubbed his arm. "I'll keep you posted on when I have it. To say I'm curious about what they do together is an understatement. It'll be interesting once the Institute returns the crown."

Dumag nodded as he slipped the parchment into his bag and began walking towards the door. "I look forward to examining the artifact, as I expect Brokil will as well."

Dexter let out another yawn as he waved in Dumag's direction. "Haah We'll figure it out. We just need some time." They waved back as they pulled open the door and disappeared into the night. Dexter turned to me as he stretched and let out a groan. "Mmmm I think I'm going to hit the hay. That potion has really done a number on my sleep cycle."

I nodded as I stretched my arms. "Good idea. I'll follow your lead in a minute. I still have a potion set to put away."

Dexter waved my way as he began climbing into the loft. "I'll see you in the morning then. Haaah Good night."

"Good night." I replied. I then stretched as I walked back over to my potions set and finished packing it up. The numerous notes I read that day cycled through my mind as I sorted my vials of ingredients. "The gauntlet was obviously designed as a weapon. The only missing pieces are what kind of weapon. The only enchantment we sort of know is the protection enchantment which seems fairly standard for magical armor. There's also the crown to figure out. Who knows how thoroughly *that thing is enchanted."* I let out a sigh as I finally closed the lid on the numerous vials. "Either way, it's going to take time. . . So why do I have a feeling that time isn't something we're about to have?"

Maira

I had an uneasy feeling as I descended the stairs to the kitchen. Almar had just returned from a trip further north. Typically, Kalise would meet me in a secluded room of the mansion, possibly with some far-off treats to share, but this time she failed to show. A sick feeling had developed in the pit of my stomach. The direst of possibilities were flooding through my head, making it difficult to think straight. I tried to calm my fears as my heart pounded in my chest but was failing miserably.

I let out a slow breath I finally stepped into the kitchen and looked around. The usual calm pace of the servants was absent, replaced instead by a rapid hustle and bustle. I looked around warily as I watched them work. "Kalise would never push them this hard. Even when she is away, they are able to make meals at a leisurely pace. This is not at all leisurely."

My fears were realized when an unfamiliar voice called out from across the room. "Despicable. This Meal Is Unfit For A Swine. I Cannot Believe Your Last Cook Allowed You To Get Away With Such Atrocities." I turned to the source of the noise as I felt my heart drop further. Standing in the middle of the kitchen was another city elf, his skin a touch paler than the servants around him. His bright blonde hair was cut close to his scalp, a common mark for male servants. A familiar stained apron hung around his waist and a very distinct hat sat atop his head, a veritable pillar of white resting on his crown.

I felt my hands begin to tremble as the implication went rushing through my mind. I clenched my fist as I stifled the trembling and shakily walked forward. "E-excuse me." I stuttered hesitantly.

The elf turned to glare at me, causing me to stop in my tracks. "What do you want?" He growled angrily.

I nervously rubbed my hands together as I stammered out a response. "I . . um . . I was wondering what happened to the last cook?" I asked bluntly.

The new elf let out a sigh as he pressed his thumb and forefinger to his temple. "Not even a day here and already the help is asking what happened." He gestured dismissively as he turned back to his work. "I have no time for such trivial matters. I have my orders and I intend to bring this ghastly kitchen up to par. Now leave." My heart fell as he rebuffed my request. I wasn't asking much, just where they had taken Kalise. She had done so much to help the servants of the manor. I was unsure how the manor would react to this development. More importantly, I was afraid of what they were doing to her, what I was going to do without her. I had known her for so long. She had been the only kind face I had for so long. I felt the tears well up as I stood there, trying desperately to speak calmly. Instead, I only succeeded in blocking my nostrils with mucus, the presence of which was made apparent to all as I took a deep breath and my nose let out a loud rumble. I stood in stunned embarrassment as the nearby staff turned to me. I turned in embarrassment and started briskly walking back towards the stairs. I suddenly stopped as the cook called out again. "Stop." I hesitated for a minute before turning back to the room. The new elf stood with his back to me. His hands were on the table in front of him and his chest expanded and contracted as he let out a loud sigh. "If you must know, my mistress had an interest in your cook when your Lord brought her north. They negotiated an exchange. I had no control over this development. I know not where she is nor who she currently works under. All that is known to me is this exchange is permanent. Your old cook will not be returning. . . . . I advise you to accept that fact. Emotions are nothing but a crutch for people like us."

I swallowed as a lump grew in my throat. I now wish he had not given me an answer. At least then I could delude myself into believing she would return. I swallowed again as I bowed my head and managed to string a few words together. "Thank you for your honesty. I shall now take my leave." At that, I quickly turned and retreated up the stairs, suppressing the feeling of despair welling up within me. I rushed back through the halls, avoiding the gaze of everyone I passed. I moved back through the manor towards the room I had left but an hour ago. My heart felt like bursting as I ran. It was not until I rushed back into a secluded room that I finally collapsed and let my emotions wash over me.

I felt tears streaming down my face as I sobbed uncontrollably. I pulled my knees up to my chest, wrapping my arms wrapped around them. The cold wood floor was oddly soothing in my troubled state. I laid down as I felt myself grow smaller. The one anchor I had created in Almar's service was now gone. Kalise was now gods know where enduring gods know what at the hands of the people Almar had sold her to. "Gods, please end me now. I have not the strength to continue on like this." My wallowing suddenly halted as a familiar voice penetrated my awareness. "CHAMELEON! Get Your Lazy Arse Out Here." I instinctively jumped to my feet and began wiping away the tears that had accumulated on my face. I took deep calming breaths as my emotions completely subsided and I was left with my obedience. I ran out of the room and followed Almar's shouts as I erased the evidence of my sorrows. I wiped away my tears and rubbed the stains into my tunic. Any who looked would have to come close to notice them. "CHAMELEON!" Almar bellowed again.

I finally pushed through a door and stepped into the front hall as I put on a falsetto grin. Almar had his back to me as he sat on his throne near the center of the room. A small group of black-clad figures stood in front of him, faces masked by black cloths. "Yes, my lord?" I asked, expertly maintaining my grin. Almar lifted his hand and beckoned me towards him. I followed his orders as I folded my arms behind my back, ensuring no one could see the faint stains on them.

Once I was stood beside Almar, he gestured to me as he addressed the group. "This shall be your prize. If you successfully return my Canary and eliminate the outsider that has taken her. She shall be yours to do with as you please. I expect swift results from you. My father did not designate you as elites for nothing." My heart somehow dropped further as Almar made the offer. The black-clad figures merely glanced at each other as they seemed to have a silent conversation.

Finally, one of them stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Rest assured, we shall complete this task to the best of our ability, for the glory of the house of Ianpetor."

I held back a look of despair as Almar let out a joyous laugh and clapped his flabby hands together. "Marvelous. The horses should be presently ready. Gather all that you require and depart post haste. I have been patient with the weather, but no longer. I shall have harmony restored before the next harvest." The black-clad figures bowed in unison before turning on their heels and marching out of the hall. Almar held a look of enjoyment as he finally turned to me. "Marvelous appearance. It is mundane enough to allow me to purchase a servant with a similar appearance while appearing unique enough to entice the mercenaries my father called elites."

I bowed slightly as I instinctively took stock of my current form, a fairly attractive wood elf with brown hair and hazel eyes. I had chosen this as my natural form long ago as it allowed me to easily change to any appearance Almar desired. I imagined it would be easy to find a ‘servant' at the market that looked similar to me. "Thank you, lord Almar. It is an honor to please you as such."

Almar's perverse grin grew wider as he nodded in agreement. "Excellent. Now then make a trip to the market. I anticipate feeling rather promiscuous this evening and will require some olive oil unless you think you can manage without."

My hands reached to cover my rear as my face threatened to contort in disgust. "Right away my lord." I replied, bowing slightly.

I ignored my clenching torso as I straightened and turned to take my leave, but not before Almar called out to me one last time. "Oh, and Chameleon, I hope your chosen form for this evening will be most pleasing. Otherwise, I may choose to forego the oil entirely."

I felt my torso clench up further as I redoubled my pace to leave the room. "Yes, lord Almar." I said out of instinct. I head Almar grunt in agreement before the door finally sealed me away from him for the time being. I felt my sorrow threaten to resurface before I quickly stifled it again. I let out another shaky sigh before making my way down the hall once more. "Stay strong, Maira. There is still hope for you to find Kalise again. But that is the future, for now, I must focus on surviving the present. One thing is certain, oil or no oil, this evening is going to be most unpleasant."