"Then we're agreed: we table the question of personhood for now, before we crease our spines any further. We bookworms should endeavor to stay flexible."

Rose leads the way, carrying her purse over one shoulder. As they pass a carved-looking tunnel without further commentary on the topic, Rose doesn't mind explaining herself a bit. "In my observation so far, everyone who comes to Amani was touched by destiny in some way in their reality of origin. In my case, I'm an oracle, soothsayer, seer--whichever term you prefer. I guide heroes toward auspicious outcomes, more or less." As she says this, they reach the steps leading up to the school's front door, which she pushes open.

Rose holds the door for Joshua to enter through, and points with an orange-painted fingernail at a tome next to an unwieldy collection of world atlases. "And here's your starting point. I wish you good fortune on your search." A pause--she's done her part, but there's one lingering thread of curiosity to pull. "So you intend to go back to your reality, if the opportunity presents itself?"