So, my poor Hawtrey is dead. I'm sorry it came to that, certainly, but it was necessary.

I hope, however, that you all learned an important lesson: blood has power.

[She sighs, clears her throat, and continues in a more 'professional' tone.]

I would like to offer my services to those of you still in possession of the shards Jones covets.

As you have no doubt seen, my method of priming the shards hides them from his sight and allows, with the proper keys, them to be used as foci. That much, you already knew, my dears.

I am exceedingly willing to unlock any shards currently in your possession if you are willing to bring them to me.

I reside on an island to the far north. A month's sail from Isla Empieza with a fair wind. I can offer a hot meal and place to rest when you arrive, however.

My services aren't free. You may bring something you feel is valuable or you may promise a favor to be done at a later date. I suggest, though, that you keep your word if you do the latter. I do not abide those who do not honor their debts.

I look forward to seeing at least some of you.

[And, then, almost as an afterthought, she adds:]

Those of you not in possession of a shard or seeking another may have some interest in the... activities of the Himmelen festival.

While the parties of those thrown by Bliss tend to be... too extravagant for my tastes, the prizes they offer are often comparable to the excess they show.

[Someone took pity on her. That's all Rogue can really say to describe her situation right now. Someone took hold of her hand and shoulder and led her to a room and put a book in front of her, open.

If it's not the journal... Then she's pretty much screwed.]

Tell me somebody can hear me.

[She sounds terrified.

She can't see, she can't hear. Well, she can do both. Sort of. But not enough to know where she is or to really manage much of anything.

As a result? She's shouting. Almost screaming, just so she can hear herself.]

I don'--

[She may be half sobbing. That might be a thing that's happening.]

I don' know where I am! I don' know what's goin' on!

Is anyone there?!

[For all she knows, she's been thrown into some sort of comfortable-ish jail cell and won't be leaving for a long time.

In actuality, she's in an inn at Empieza, creating a bit of a ruckus upstairs while the poor woman who found her tries to assure her guests it's just a rattled outworlder who won't be around long making all the fuss.]