By my reading, there is only one option, and it does not involve this literal sweetheart's death!! 🤣

Hmm. [Antoine nods, features becoming solemn with thought] That is certainly cause for concern, perhaps we should plan an excursion to investigate..

[Once Ev has placed the samples on the table, Antoine stoops to inspect each one, flipping open his ever-present notebook in his hand & jotting notes]

🥺

(( Hello! May I commission you for a doodle of Antoine & Evka and donate to this cause? ))

[Antoine can't help but laugh] ah... I'm sure Emmrich would disagree, but -- still, let's just plan for you continued 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦. Yes?

[The festival will 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 be canceled if you die, Alex.]

Alex. [Antoine presses his palms together] ...I can say with some certainty that the Festival will not be happening if you 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥. Therefore, for the sake of a good time, you must live.

WHAT IF... someone tried and you just didn't notice?? Perhaps you are stalked only by inept assassins!

Alex, no!

[In truth, it wouldn't be a bad idea for the Warden himself to get out of his lab & make a visit to the site. Evka worries that he spends too much time wrapped up in studying of the Blight's song. Glancing around, Antoine gnaws on his lip in thought.]

Actually... do you mind if I tag along?

Well, as always -- if you see any signs of the blight, I would not to say no to a few additional samples for my research. [Antoine huffs a laugh, waving his palm in dismissal] But really, don't feel pressured.

+

((OOC: 😘😘😘 My ride or die ))

[Immediately, Antoine's features brighten] Ah! My Hero! I was just about to run out of viable samples!

[He hastily clears a space on the work bench for Ev to place the bottles, shooting them an intrigued look] How are the caves faring? They were much impacted by the eruption when it was active.