The strongest source of Vera's scent, beyond Vera herself, was her clothing. A rough spun dress neatly folded next to where she laid sleeping had no pockets, let alone any evidence. The next source of her scent seemed to be amongst the parchment piles. A quick flit through them would reveal nought but what they looked like on the surface, school work. She had obviously looked through and done some marking before going to bed. Fainter scents were amongst her personal effects, but apart from a bottle of what appeared to be perfume, there was nothing indicating any poison or intent to murder.

Everyone was made silent and looked astonished when Meesei explained further. Sabine got the message swiftly, taking the waterskin from Meesei's hand and moving to where she had set up her alchemical equipment to begin testing. Janius began to shake Kaleeth-Rei awake if she hadn't already heard. This was serious.

"Is Ahnasha okay?" Fendros asked.