Alptraum, Nekara and Autumn-Storm reach the port town of Osterania on the western coast of Ai, leaving the fishing vessel that bore them all the way from Sylvania. While Nekara goes to make arrangements for airship transportation, Autumn-Storm and Alptraum visit a temple of the First Ones, and learn from a priest the reputation of the Yodhsunala as assassins for hire. They then head to the outskirts of town to hunt for supper, and discuss the idea of leaving Nekara and striking out on their own. Autumn-Storm is not content to stay in Osterania, however, as she is intent on tracking down the sorcerer that nearly killed her three times over. Alptraum decides that he will follow Nekara – for now – after all.

They race back to town, drawing the disapproval of Nekara. Alptraum confronts her with what he heard about the Yodhsunala, and demands some answers from her. Nekara suggests they take their argument inside before they draw more attention. Inside, Alptraum asks Nekara more about his origins, and she reluctantly offers him some guesses and rumors, which only disturb him all the more.