The sylvan library

[Anastasia]

"Advancement, advancement," Emily hums, "That's a tricky one. The weight of it's tough."

Jarem's smiling slightly but keeping his mouth shut.

"It is a wise answer. If it's the right one, I don't know," Ianvasah says, "The ways and minds of an individual man are madness kept to himself."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Jarem? You look rather smug. I thought you wouldn't participate, but..."

[Anastasia]

"I know this one already," Jarem admits, "I could spoil that, but it seems against the spirit of the competition."

Professor Roundbottom bristles at that, "You already know it?" He declares, a gusty sigh, "Are you a riddle-smith yourself?"

"No, I serve the Red Knight. It's part and parcel of it," Jarem replies smoothly. "Riddles sharpen the mind as whetstone sharpens steel."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Well, don't be difficult. If we're close, then help."

[Anastasia]

"You're cold as Auril's teats," Jarem chuckles, "You're going in the wrong direction. There's a big clue in the riddle itself, but you have to think laterally."

[Iron Dragoon]

"I picked up on the weight. Weight in front versus behind. Is it more specific than just weight?"

[Anastasia]

Emily frowns deeply at that, "We're over thinking it, that's how most riddles like this are lost." She puts a finger to her chin, eyes closed. "Weight, weight, weight. But only from the front side."

Ianvasah scowls, "Male," She drawls, "Be useful to us and just tell us."

"Not really?" Jarem says, "Look at the riddle, it'll hit you if you look carefully." Cracking a bigger smile, "It's one of those that's hidden in plain sight."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Ah. Ton. Forwards, it's a unit of weight, spelled backward, it's literally 'not.'"

[Anastasia]

"Good, good," The treant says, "Now I don't like riddles that much, but they're good when an actual adventure doesn't suffice, don't you think?"

[Iron Dragoon]

"Not personally, but I'm not the one judging. I prefer tests of knowledge, but time presses."

[Anastasia]

"So then, ask me what you want to know," The treant invites.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa explains about Lord Melweather's condition.

"It's a bloodline trait, I believe. Celestial or fey. It's activated uncontrollably, and I'd like to find a way to control it, and either copy or transplant it, if possible."

[Anastasia]

"I'm afraid I don't know," he says, "But I know who can help. Seek Professor Tinsel, he's around here somewhere. He'd know for sure, that sort of thing is his specialty."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Tinsel. Is there a place he usually stays near?"

[Anastasia]

"Northernly," He declares, "Head that away and you'll find him."

"Thank you," Emily says, "You've been helpful."