Several days pass without incident, though Viv remains wary. Satchel grows nervous around customers, hiding in his satchel or a slitted box Fern rigged on the counter. After hours, he obsessively cleans Thistleburr, which Fern finds troubling since he refuses payment. Maylee visits and unflinchingly shakes Satchel's bone hand.

Discussing Fern's incoming book shipment and stagnant inventory, Viv suggests wrapping unsold books like surprise gifts, with brief teasing descriptions. Fern enthusiastically embraces the idea, hoping to move old stock. Satchel, eavesdropping from his box, perks up at Viv's joking suggestion of labeling some books "moist."

Later, Viv helps Maylee at Sea-Song, awkwardly kneading bread under Maylee's instruction. Their banter turns flirtatious and then serious as Maylee asks whether Satchel will bring trouble; both share a soldier's instinct that danger is coming. Viv notes Maylee's hands once wielded a mace, finding unexpected reassurance in that.

That evening at The Perch, Viv reads near the bar's end of The Lens and the Dapplegrim until Iridia sits beside her. The Gatewarden admits her investigation into the gray-clad stranger's murder has stalled and the bag remains unfound. Acknowledging she underestimated Varine, Iridia asks Viv to share everything she knows. Viv, warming slightly to the tapenti, agrees to talk.