Elara and Petra, apprentices in the Municipal Greenhouse, confront the effect of resonance cold on the delicate Crystal Mistletoe which begins to lean away from the center of the room due to thermal contraction. They realize the Tannery Linen insulation is insufficient against the deeper resonant vibration. Petra identifies the strongest point of vibration near an emergency hatch leading to the Buffer Vault Access. Upon opening this vault, which smells strongly of molasses, they discover a stack of Grotto Seal stones, which are revealed to be highly effective at absorbing ground cold and stabilizing thermal energy. As they place the stones around the Mistletoe roots, the plant recovers its luster. The episode concludes when they find a cool parchment scroll near the Grotto Seal stones, bearing the cryptic message Check the Anchor, suggesting the stabilization efforts must now focus on the town’s main structural point.