Istredd keeps on rambling, walking further inside-- but he'll have to notice at some point during his prattling and dealing with the books that Ciri hasn't followed him much further than the doorway. Only a few steps inside, she's frozen completely, tension coiled so tight that the muscles in her arms and neck stand out.

"I've heard a story like that before," she says slowly, without moving. She doesn't raise her voice; it is calm and measured, despite her uncomfortable stance.

"So. Did you find out? What the monoliths are? What they mean?"