Medicine applied, smiles and thanks exchanged. Jazdia Crystalspark stood up and placed her palm on her chest to monitor her breathing and feel her own heartbeat; now stabilized in a steady rhythm of 74 beats per minute, with respiratory rate slightly elevated.  

It was a small, clinical self-diagnosis that had been a habitual impulse since her magic could no longer heal. An assurance that, despite everything, she retained control. 

Bringing herself back to the present, Jazdia resurrected her awareness and let the problem buried in the back of her mind. There was a small quibble between Miwa and Fia, enough for the young Miko to retell the history of her own temple.

[quote][color=6ecff6]"Our kindness is what aids those in need, but our wrath is what keeps them safe." [/color][/quote]

A strong sense of passion flickered in her eyes. Jazdia walked next to her, placing her palm on Miwa's shoulder. The elf's voice was serene, almost a deliberate contrast with the sheer resoluteness in Miwa's, like a water trying to mend a newly forged steel. 

[color=ec008c]"Thank you for standing up for me, that's very kind of you."[/color]

And she moved to Verdant, who just stood a step away. [color=ec008c]"And you too, Verdant,"[/color] she reached, trying to pat her too, but in her heart, a pang of reluctance emerged. Her palm hovered above the youkai's head, stalled by uncertainty. 

[center]****[/center]

Vesemir did not say much. Everyone's voice had been accounted for, and for what it was worth, pretty unanimous regarding their next destination. 

[color=#F4E7CA]"Alright. Let's get moving."[/color] Instructions given, and Mr Elc and Stepan led them. While Vesemir, the scholar---seemingly against his own instruction---walked closer toward the crystal. Bright and red, it irritated his psyche just by looking at it, and he wondered what this all meant. 

[color=#F4E7CA][i]Creator, Star in Heaven. Lead me through the straight path[/i][/color].  As he turned to join the group, Vesemir did not look at the painting. He simply... dared not to. For the first time in hundreds of years, Vesemir Barandir found solace in ignoring a clue. 

___

The party's departure from that somber part of the library went unimpeded. The fountain was seen, and the wide door leading to the south antechamber was just straight ahead. A small feeling of respite they experienced was slightly tarnished by the presence of the Curator, who stood by the fountain. His eyes watched them with pompous disinterest, yet Vesemir found himself drawn by Arcan's cryptic beckoning. 

[i][b]"Have you decided to conclude your tour in my gallery?"[/b][/i]  The ancient djinn inquired, mostly toward Vesemir. The door behind him was wide open, and they would not find him physically hindering their path to that antechamber.  

[color=#F4E7CA]"Yes,"[/color] the scholar answered, gazing back at the towering djinn cautiously. [color=#F4E7CA]"We are immensely grateful for your hospitality. Sadly, we can't risk returning to the surface at night. So thank you, Curator Arcan."
[/color]

[i][b]"Mhm. Have you decided what gifts you would claim?"[/b][/i]

[color=#F4E7CA]"I will have this book,"[/color] answered Vesemir, tapping the blue cover of the tome he had been carrying. [color=#F4E7CA]"As for the other one, I don't think I need anything else."[/color]

[i][b]"About that. Perhaps."[/b][/i] There was an edge in the Curator's rumbling voice, and he finally looked at the party, not toward Jazdia, or Miwa specifically, but... toward them all. Yet he did not stop them. 

[i][b]"Then I must ask for the surreptitious, unauthorized claims for some artifacts that I am sure are currently in your party's possession. Would you happen to know anything about it, esteemed Ticket Bearer?" [/b][/i]

Arcan's tone was thick with accusation, and that intimidated Vesemir somehow. At first, he thought Arcan was joking, but a split-second realization arrived like an unseen blow. He nervously looked to his left and right, and confusion washed over Eblana, Elc, and Stepan, who stood close to him. 

[b]"I might look like a thug,"[/b] Setepan raised his hands and showed his calloused palms. [b]"But sure as hell I ain't a thief." [/b]

Subtle as it may be, the implication was clear. But the question remained: Who did that? And what would happen if this case didn't get any closure?