The three companions rose early to have Veronica's new Instrument reset; the ring she’d taken from Pascal was much too big.
"For a moment there," said Angus as they passed the Library. "I thought your first Instrument was going to be Baggins, the bagpipes."
"Eeep," Veronica giggled. "That would have been a love-hate relationship. Sure glad I ended up with her.” She tapped the hefty ring.
"Veronica," asked Angus, "How did you know my dad contacted me?"
"I didn’t know that exactly, but I've seen it plenty of times before," said Veronica, "The first time was my mother. She started pulling away from my father and us kids months before she actually left. The next time was my stepmother, Mary. I feel I'm part of why she left my dad, but he denies it."
"That's gotta suck," Trevor sympathized, "I guess I'm lucky my parents are still together, even though they're really boring."
Veronica shrugged. "Angus, you never mentioned what convinced you to stay. Was it that book about your dad that magically appeared? I'm sure Agrona put it there when we weren't looking."
"Yeah, well, the book was pretty bad, but you should have seen how nice his A.I. version seemed."
"Well, what was it then?" asked Veronica, "You can tell me. I cried snot all over you yesterday, so we're pretty much blood relatives now."
"To tell you the truth," said Angus, "it was when we were waiting for the funeral to start, and we were all sitting there. I knew you needed us; I couldn't leave."
"That's so sweet," Veronica made a gagging sound. "Let's never speak of this again. I have a reputation to uphold."
***
When they arrived at Krampis's shop, to their surprise, Hamish and Adora were already there.
"Oh, hello!" smiled Adora. "How on earth did you know we were here?"
"We didn't," said Veronica. "We came to get a new home for my Instrument." Veronica showed them the ring, which was flopping around her finger.
"OMG!" said Adora, "Your Instrument found you! That is awesome, but you don't seem very happy about it."
"It was her mentor’s, and he just passed away," Angus explained.
"Oh, I'm truly sorry," Adora moved in to hug Veronica, "I had no idea."
"Touch me, and I'll break your arms," Veronica snarled, "but thank you for caring."
Hamish nodded in sympathy.
The viola appeared in Veronica’s arms. "Her name is Anastasia,"
"A Viola," Adora breathed. "And boy, does it look old."
"Oh, that sure is an old one," said Krampis from behind the counter. "I honestly can't count how many times I've reset that crystal. She is a force to be reckoned with."
"So, what kind of jewelry are you going to get?" Angus inquired.
Veronica looked at the hundreds of pieces littering the shop.
"I was thinking about a necklace," said Veronica, "like this one over here." She pointed to a gothic-looking piece with clasps that resembled claws.
"Oh, I like that one," Krampis agreed. "Can you grab it off the wall for me?"
"I thought you wanted a nose ring," said Trevor.
"Now I want the necklace,” Veronica shrugged, "or do I need your permission to change my mind?"
"No, just saying."
Veronica turned away to fetch the setting.
"Where was I?" said Krampis. "Oh yes, Boomer's new home is ready, Adora." He handed her a delicate circlet. Adora settled it in place, and the crystal rested on her forehead.
"OK, I'm not that big on princess crowns," said Trevor, "but yours is pretty dang cool."
The rest of them nodded in agreement.
Adora clapped excitedly. "Thanks, guys," she looked in a mirror. "It's perfect, Krampis. I love it."
"You're very welcome," said Krampis. "I must also return Boomers' former home to you. It does not belong in this shop."
"Angus, this is yours," Adora passed Angus the empty ring, "It's got pretty cool markings on it."
"Thanks," said Angus, "maybe one day, I'll go back to the Library and translate them."
"When will my necklace be done?" Veronica asked.
"If you come back in around an hour, I should have it ready for you," said Krampis.
The five thanked the old jeweler and set off for lunch at the Grand Dome.