Lara observes the early arrival of the war tides and the increased military activity around Serrith, realizing that Maridrina could exploit this vulnerability. Recognizing the risks of sending unencoded messages, she formulates a plan to use King Aren to send a letter containing her father's ink, though she still needs to figure out how to intercept and seal it without detection. Her tactical reflections are abruptly interrupted by Nana, the king's irascible and authoritative grandmother, who orders her outside to help Taryn with the chores.
While doing dishes, Taryn shares local insights about the island's sharks, which help the islanders track the seasonal weather, and mentions her family ties to Aren. Later, Taryn takes Lara on an errand to a peaceful village on the island of Gamire, where they inspect a heavy coastal catapult and practice firing stones at a floating target. During their tour, Taryn explains how she once joined Aren in a disastrous childhood launch from the same machine, revealing a lighter side to the notoriously harsh defenders of Ithicana.
In the evening, the villagers gather around a large bonfire to share food, drinks, and traditional myths about the origins of the emerald islands and their living bridge. Amid the festivities, Taryn reflects on her musical ambitions and mentions that Aren's late mother, Queen Delia, believed that marriage was the only way to establish lasting peace. Although the thought triggers mistrustful reminders from Serin's teachings, Lara listens quietly. Returning to the house, Nana forces Lara to feed a sack of mice to her collection of venomous snakes. Seizing the opportunity, Lara fakes a bite, creates a chaotic distraction, and surreptitiously pours a potent potion into Nana's unattended glass of alcohol before retiring to bed.