[h2][center][b][color=ed1c24]Novak[/color][/b][/center][/h2]
The conversation with the Illuminator was quite eye-opening.  It was a relief to hear that Leannah was still okay, at least for now.  It wasn't clear what sort of game that Iva’Krorh was playing with her, but it looked like the three of them wouldn't be able to do anything for her.  Leannah would have to get through it on her own.

As for the stolen crystal, the Illuminator seemed to know nothing about the theft.  He was able to read Novak like an open book, but knew nothing about the theft in his own temple, as if there was a blind spot within his mind.  As unsettling as this god was, he couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for Iva’Krorh.  Novak had chosen to give up his memories and even if he couldn't remember why he'd do such a thing, even though the gods themselves seemed to think it was a questionable move, he could accept that it was his decision.  To have memories stolen away, however, to be unable to know who took them, it was something he didn't wish on anyone.

Once Iva’Krorh was done answering questions, he demanded that they hand Lazhira over.  Even though she had nothing to do with the theft of the crystal herself, the Illuminator seemed convinced that Lazhira intended to, and would still do so if she had the chance.  And after all of the disturbing things Novak had seen down here, he definitely didn't want Lazhira to fall into this person's hands.

[color=ed1c24]"Now hold on,..."[/color] Novak blurted out, before catching himself.  To directly say "no" to a god was a good way to bring disaster upon oneself, but perhaps the Illuminator could be reasoned with with good enough reasoning.  [color=ed1c24]"...we'll need her to find the crystal.  You said you didn't know anything about the thieves, right?  If Lazhira was planning to steal it herself, I'll bet she knows why someone would want it, what they'd do with it, and maybe she knows who beat her to the theft.  If we want to get the crystal back, we'll need her help."[/color]  Novak didn't actually know what Lazhira knew for sure, and he knew the Illuminator knew that Novak didn't know.  But Iva’Krorh would also know that Novak wasn't trying to deceive him, and genuinely believed what he said.  Or perhaps Novak was just as much of a fool as Narkissa and the Illuminator thought.

[color=ed1c24]"You...err...do know these things, right, Lazhira?"[/color] Novak asked his companion nervously.  [color=ed1c24]"Please, this is not a time to be evasive."[/color]

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