vitrines—a glass-paneled cabinet or glass display case for art objects, curios, etc.
in extremis—(Lat.) at the point of death.
labyrinth—a complicated, perplexing arrangement, course of affairs, or the like.
denouement—outcome, resolution.
lapis lazuli—an azure-blue, opaque semiprecious stone; a mixture of various minerals.
inanition—emptiness; exhaustion; lack of strength or spirit.
importunate—troublesome; annoyingly persistent.
clandestine—kept secret or hidden, especially for some illicit purpose; surreptitious; furtive.
sedulously—persistently and steadily; diligently.
