[color=ec008c][i]Eating? Tasting?[/i][/color]

Jazdia thought she might need a moment; there were a few of things here to unpack. Verdant indeed looked like she had lost a few marbles at some point, but to meet someone in this level was rare for her. ---But then she remembered her downing a devourer's tentacle, bodily fluids and all. Oh, the memory was hazy thanks to the fires of the battlefield, and at that time, she thought her illness was addling her mind. Well, she had seen worse, so it should be okay... she just needed to readjust herself a bit. 

Thankfully, the Curator's intervention prevented her from asking the details. 

It seemed Verdant's quiet contrition was deemed enough by the curator, but he did not move out of the way; instead, he looked at the elf in front of him, as if there was something about her that roused his interest. Jazdia noticed that... 

[color=ec008c]"Curator Arcan," [/color]the elf said, seemingly unperturbed by the Djinn's scrutinizing stare. [color=ec008c]"There is a volume that I need to find. I am aware that Theodore's research on curses was extensive. Could you perhaps lead me to where such records are stored?"[/color]  

Arcan beckoned toward the dark corridor leading to the north wing. [i][b]"Certainly."[/b][/i]

The curator turned, and Jazdia followed him. The feelings that arose inside her were complex. Anticipation and renewed optimism clashed with uncertainty. Life had taught her that nothing was ever easy. Even if she gets her answer, she imagined that the path to it would cost her another sacrifice, and the ugly truth that she herself was unprepared to face.  

Abruptly, the elf stopped walking. They had marched past the fountain now, and the north corridor was ahead, already illuminated with dim lighting that seemed to respond to Arcan's presence. She turned her body toward Verdant, bowing slightly so their eyes met. In hers, there was a faint, expertly concealed sorrow. 

[color=ec008c]"Miss Verdant, I think I should do this myself if you don't mind. Feel free to return to the others." [/color]