Wind combs the summit of Heavens Pillar into a cold hush. The rune-line at Isaru's feet glows once, then steadies, as if the mountain is waiting for the last word.
Jorren
The vow is clear now. I was never meant to own it, only to bear it until it found the right hands.
Jorren
He lowers his head, then lifts it again, meeting the ledge with bare resolve.
Jorren
If you judge me fit, I will remain. If not, I will step aside and not contest the mountain.
Above them, the storm-broken clouds part around a pale seam of moonlight. The oath-stone answers with a low, ancient pulse, no longer strained, only listening.
The Exiled Lord places one hand near the stone, not touching, waiting on Isaru's choice while the peak holds its breath.
“"Such is not my judgement to make. Do you dare to take the chance, or take the safe path back down the mountain?"”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +0)
Isaru
Such is not my judgment to make. Do you dare take the chance, or take the safe path back down the mountain?
Jorren
He lets the words settle, then breathes out through his nose, as if measuring the drop behind him and the weight before him.
Jorren
Then I choose the chance. Not for pride, but because the mountain has not finished speaking.
He rises from his half-kneel and draws back his hand from the oath-stone, leaving the glow undisturbed.
Jorren
I will stay, but as witness, not master. If this vow has found the right hands, let them be steadier than mine.
The rune-line at Isaru's feet answers with a brief, bright pulse, then settles into a clear path traced along the cliff edge.
Jorren
Then I owe you a better answer than silence. Call me Jorren, and I will keep faith with what this peak asks of me.
The storm thinned above the summit, and the oath-stone’s light settled into a steady glow.
Isaru
Then it is done, Jorren. Walk it with care.
Jorren
I will. As witness, not master.
A pale path lit along the cliff, each step calm beneath the cleared sky.
Isaru left the summit knowing the vow had not broken, only changed hands. Jorren remained with the stone, carrying its burden as witness while the mountain accepted the new peace. Above them, the spire stood quiet at last, its ancient duty fulfilled for one more age.