The horror in Vesemir's face did not recede. Through his monocle, he dreaded the offer, and such dread intensified at the admission. 

[quote]"I like the sound of that."[/quote]

Vesemir did not like it one bit. As much as he respected Arcan, he knew the risk was real, and often irreversible. So when Stepan clumsily returned back to the lines, and Mr Elc shook his head but still watched with anticipation, the scholar approached... and his dread tripled at the obliviousness to madness. 

[quote]“Well, I’ll be sure to use whatever artifacts I’m able to walk out with. Though, I have a feeling that isn’t my decision to make alone. So darlings, if no one has an objection, I might just accept."[/quote]

[color=#F4E7CA]"I object."[/color] For the first time in this journey, Vesemir Barandir voiced his dissent with iron, yet his stare at Fia was akin to a protective patriarch scolding a reckless daughter. His whisper was rough with harsh sibilance. [color=#F4E7CA]"We got what we need. What he offered was not just ancient trinkets. Such a pact is dangerous—long-lasting and sinister! Not even I want them. But I am not you."[/color]

Only then did he release her from his patronizing stare, and at the same time, the ancient Djinn walked forth. His steps... deliberate. A faint, almost unnoticeable smile curved in his otherwise emotionless mien. 

[i]"Have you made your decision? If yes, let us seal the [b]deal[/b]." [/i]

In front of Fia, Arcan extended his hand. Vesemir could only watch, for the freedom to choose was not in his prerogative. Such a stance was almost deliberate, as if all risk had been assessed, and in the moment when he remembered Mr Elc's warning to Fia this morning, he acknowledged the risk would be intrinsic.