Kire sighed, nodding, taking the pin to prick her index finger, handing it back to Ruli afterward. She had seen blood magic, known how its taboo forms worked, but this was almost the opposite of that. It needed care, precision. [i]We’re trying to find life, not take it,[/i], she thought, as if reassuring herself. Narda remained quiet, but she could tell the giantess was tense. Kire sucked on the pricked finger and watched, curious, as the mixture in the bowl transformed. She wrinkled her nose at the steam but made no comment, not wanting to interrupt and somehow spoil the process by talking.

When they finally saw what they were looking for, Kire looked from Envy to Ruli, the latter much less enthusiastic about the results, though even Envy seemed to receive the information cautiously. [i]Curious.[i] Besides the general complication of encountering the Raielwens, there seemed to be some other history provoking these reactions that had to do with this Aera. “Well, that sounds like the better alternative,” Kire said, when Ruli finally addressed them. She listened as Envy expressed the complications of trying to find him. “I may not see through the illusion, but there’s a big chance I’d sense the wards, anyway, just as I did yours.” [i]And Ed is tough.[/i] The thought was more a wish than an assurance.
“Wards, illusions, scrying,” muttered Narda, anxious about all the magic involved in this quest. “Next thing you know, we’ll be dealing with dragons and fairies.” 
“With the luck I have?” Kire said grimly. “Come on, let’s grab some water for the trip. Thank you, Envy.” 

Kire and Narda stepped out just in time to see Ysaryn admonish Gavin. The Gemini and the giantess stared at each other then. The lad seemed then to reconsider the very desire to come with them. Narda narrowed his eyes, before going off to fetch waterskins for herself and Kire. “So everyone else is going?” Gavin commented when she left. 
“Mmhmm.” Kire waited for Ruli’s answer to the question of Aera. Given this was Ruli, though, she also made a bet with herself on whether or not he would actually answer.