Helen
*`As the outsiders finished conversing with the doctor in the clinic—`*
*`emerging from the state of nihil that was the envelopment of shadows, the porcelain-masked man manifested within a clandestine sect of the residential district.`*

```fix
"Pardon my intrusion."```

He spoke curtly, making his presence known to the two to whom he appeared—
Ethel
*`"Who in th' blooded fuc—"`*

—*Aatkei, and a dazed Kovrot.*

Crouched within the darkness beneath a hut, in guard over Kovrot, who was less-than-stable in her consciousness, the dark-elven man stared up at the figure of the porcelain-masked man, and questioned with surprise and hostility in his voice—
Helen
```fix
"I have some rather pressing news for you."```

Ve interrupted.
Ethel
*`"Oi! I was askens' you a fucken' question, you basterd—! Who in the blooded h-"`*
Helen
```fix
"The Root-Crown is conscious."
"Or, shall I say..."
"𝑨𝒂𝒛𝒌𝒖𝒆, the origin of the Watch's shame, has been revealed to be the Root-Crown."```

The glimmer of his golden eyes shot forth, toward both Aatkei, and toward the one he guarded, his words sharply interrupting for a third time, as he spoke with unquivering and absolute clarity in his statement.
Ethel
Aatkei's expression of hostility emptied, and was thusly replaced with nothing but sheer shock.