Thanks to the heightened powers of concentration

I was now enjoying, I could discern clearly that now was the time to get back to the business I had been discussing with Vernier earlier.  There would be time to win her affections later.  For now, I needed to recall what she had been talking about before she started having her crying fits.  What was it?  Focus, Adler, FOCUS!!

"Uh, Sir?" Vernier asked after a few minutes.  "Are you stuck?  Is this a thing that happens to elves?  Should I try to revive you before Rebecca gives you a witchy makeover?"

"Not necessary, my sweet!" I exclaimed as a bell seemed to go off in my mind, and I remembered.  "I have it!  You were talking about oaks!  A noble tree indeed, long-lived and sturdy, an excellent source of building wood and acorns.  Not my favorite tree, however!"

"Did you hear that?" she interrupted before I could tell her about my favorite trees.  "It sounded like a bell tinkling."

"That was just me remembering," I explained.  "Now then, the yew -"

"No, there was definitely a bell somewhere out there.  Hmm.  I don't hear it now.  Maybe it was a stray sheep at the edge of the forest.  Anyway, it wasn't oak trees I was talking about.  I was trying to say that you should speak with Oak Marten to see if her family is still interested in helping you.  At the very least you should hear her side of the story, and offer condolences over the Marten family's heavy financial losses as a result of their openly supporting the hair cult."

"Didn't they all move away though?" I asked.  "I feel pretty sure I heard that."

"My Lord," Rebecca called.  "Pardon the interruption, but I've come to another encoded section."

"I've got to stay focused on my conversation with Vernier right now," I replied.  "Take a break and meditate on what you've read so far.  I'll consult with you as soon as I can."

"A winner is me!" one of the Ixies proclaimed.  "The rabbit interrupted before he was finished."

"Invalid bet!" another Ixie declared.  "There were no takers!"

"Forsooth, there were some takers," another Ixie called glumly.

"Don't you insects have anything better to do?" Vernier groaned in exasperation.  "Why don't you go investigate that bell I heard?"

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