“What does the Monarch intend to do?” Tra asked, rummaging through a series of old books. Both he and Floretaxen were situated in a cramped basement, leaking enough water to at least fill the base with a centimeter of water. Neither Tra nor Floretaxen seemed to mind, however, and so there they had their clandestine conversation.

“The Founder left this anomaly for us to investigate,” Floretaxen explained, “it was their actions which set this whole planet -- your creation -- into motion. Understand that notion.”

“I’m well aware of the intricacies behind my creation, Floretaxen,” Tra said, and he selected a specific book around his rotting away bookshelf. He set it down on a nearby table and started studying it passionately. There, he spoke once again: “So does the Monarch want to undo Ciphrus?”

“Precisely, to some degree,” Floretaxen mentioned, peering over Tra’s shoulder to gaze upon the texts himself. “What is that you’ve got there?”

“This?” Tra asked, somewhat shaked in his voice, “Oh, nothing. Only an oracle that One-... I wrote.”

“An oracle?” Floretaxen chuckled at the notion and sat down on a nearby chair. Tra didn’t own any chairs, so its origin was questionable. “No one can tell the future as it is, not even I. You’re delusional.”

“Is that such a sound estimation? Did we forget that Wyice exists?”

Floretaxen hushed his mouth for but a second, then angrily stood up from his chair. It quickly sank beneath the thin line of water, as though it was far deeper than it seemed. “We’re digressing off the point. The Yetinaph’s name is Iunnet Loegaire. I’m sure with that name, you can discern who you’re looking for."

Tra twitched at the name. He felt he had heard that from somewhere; its connection was deep within his mind, prefacing it with a strong feeling of nostalgia and longing. This name was important to him, and thus his interest was piqued. “Loegaire?” he muttered, slowly turning his head towards Floretaxen. “Where is she?”

“The Yetinaph moves eastward, though it’s now likely she has learned that her destination no longer exists. I imagine she’s at a standstill -- at least for now. You have very little time before she moves,” Floretaxen explained. Tra slammed the book shut and quickly gathered up his things. This particular quest had significant importance to him, there were many unanswered questions stirring up his mind. Indeed, this woman was not only important to Floretaxen, but he as well.

    Tra did not believe the trip would take very long, given the relative proximity the woman seemed to be. Tra was on an Armor Back, a bulky mount capable of exceeding many kilometers per hour. It wasn’t as luxurious as a vehicle, but at least it was able to traverse through forests with little to no problem. 

    What Tra hadn’t taken into account, was that Floretaxen had insisted on coming with him. His companionship with an Archaeic was hardly savored, and it begged the question afterwards.

    Floretaxen was trailing just behind him, even though Tra had been in a steady canter most of the way. Floretaxen’s movements were unnatural, walking as though a casual stroll yet somehow matching the speed of the mount. 

    Tra slowed his pace and turned his head towards Floretaxen. “Why are you insisting on joining me for this mission?” Tra asked.

    “As long as I don’t cause any more anomalies, the Humans should be off your trail,” Floretaxen dodged the question. Tra noticed this, and pushed further.

    “That wasn’t my question,” he said, “why are you here in physical form? Isn’t that a danger to you already?”

    “Oh, you’re right!” Floretaxen exclaimed, “hold on…”

    Tra blinked but for a second, before Floretaxen donned a similar gown to him, a wide cloak with a deep and drooping hood over his face. Floretaxen looked up at Tra, and two distinct red dots of light shone through the darkness of his hood. His smug, jagged teeth smile crowned beneath the spectacle. 

    Tra furrowed his brows in both disillusionment and disappointment. “What is that, a disguise?” he asked, turning his head back towards his front. 

    “Precisely, now they’ll believe me as a Knomnolite just like you! Oh, I do love a play,” Floretaxen moaned loudly after he stated this, as though he took some venereal joy from the idea. 

    Tra visibly cringed, and decided to end this conversation here and there. He whipped the reigns of his mount, and they continued posthaste at a frantic gallop.