A seam opens beneath the ancient roots, splitting the soil with a sound like parchment tearing. Black wood and pale stone emerge below, forming a small shrine lit by fading violet fire.
Vellum-of-Roots rises from the shrine, an androgynous forest spirit, apparently ageless and without visible clothing, of slender, bark-veined form, moss-pale skin, and long white hair threaded with living roots. A single dark eye opens beneath a crown of twigs.
Vellum-of-Roots
Rui Kamishiro, bearer of the amber scale, you stand upon a promise older than the dragons’ refuge.
The violet light dims until only a thin glow outlines the roots. Little Ember presses close to Rui, while Mizuki raises their bow and Tsukasa steps between the shrine and the forest path.
Mizuki Akiyama
That is a very formal way to begin a conversation! Rui, we are right here if this ancient spirit tries anything strange.
Vellum-of-Roots
The scale was entrusted, not gifted. Its bearer must answer the vow, or the sky-road shall remain closed and its calling shall fade.
Towering Blaze
Amber scale is Rui’s. Promise waits. Little Ember stays close.
“A vow?”
SUCCESS (Great Reasoning, rolled +1)
Rui Kamishiro
A vow?
Rui keeps their bow respectful, the amber scale resting openly in their palm. Its warmth spreads through the shrine as the violet fire gathers around its carved base.
Vellum-of-Roots
To guide Little Ember beneath the open sky, to guard her from needless harm, and to return her safely to the refuge before darkness claims the road.
Vellum-of-Roots
You must also carry knowledge of the old callers without revealing the refuge. Speak these duties, and the sky-road will recognize your guardianship.
The shrine’s pale stones brighten, and a clear western path unfolds between the roots. Three distant sky-lights settle above it, no longer searching or threatening.
Towering Blaze
Rui guides. Little Ember returns home. Refuge stays secret.
Mizuki Akiyama
That sounds wonderfully clear! And I shall help watch the road, the sky, and Little Ember’s accessories, naturally.
Tsukasa Tenma
Then let the ancient road witness this undertaking! With Rhea above and all of us together, no danger shall surprise us.
“I'm still a bit confused. You dragon-people keep talking about guides, a western path, things calling... there must be some ancient draconic lore I'm missing.”
SUCCESS (Great Reasoning, rolled +2)
Rui Kamishiro
I am still confused. You speak of guides, western paths, and things calling. What ancient draconic lore am I missing?
The shrine answers with a low, resonant hum. Pale symbols unwind across its stones, forming images of dragons circling three distant lights while a narrow road joins them.
Vellum-of-Roots
The old callers are sky-beacons, remnants of the first dragon roads. They awaken when dragon-fire seeks a keeper, a guide, or a living witness.
Vellum-of-Roots
The western path leads to a gathering place where dragons once exchanged knowledge. It does not command Little Ember. It asks whether she will travel under protection and learn.
Towering Blaze
Old wings taught young wings. Lights remember. Little Ember learns, then returns home.
Mizuki Akiyama
So it is a dragon tradition, not a summons to battle! That is much better. I shall watch the path, and make sure Little Ember looks splendid while learning.
Tsukasa Tenma
Exactly! Rhea can follow the beacon from above, while Rui guides the young dragon along the western road. The lore is now clear!
“Hmm... so it's calling to little Ember. Somewhat like a rite of passage, a sacred ritual. Who would we be to deny it? Onwards, all~!”
SUCCESS (Fair Agility, rolled +0)
Rui Kamishiro
It seems the old callers are inviting Little Ember to a rite of passage. Who are we to deny her? Onwards, all!
Rui smiles, bows respectfully toward Vellum-of-Roots, then turns to Little Ember. They lead her onto the western path as Mizuki, Tsukasa, and Rhea follow.
Vellum-of-Roots
Then walk beneath the witnessing lights. Let the young flame choose what she learns, and let her guardian keep the road safe.
The sky-beacons brighten above the trees, casting silver-violet paths across moss and root. Little Ember trots beside Rui, her bell chiming with every eager step.
Towering Blaze
Rite of passage. Little Ember learns old wings, then returns to refuge. Rui walks beside me.
Mizuki Akiyama
A sacred dragon journey! Wonderful! I shall supervise the path, the sky, and whether her little bell is sitting properly.
Rui’s wrapped palm throbs as the amber scale draws warmth from their strength, leaving their fingers briefly numb. Still, the western road opens fully, and the company enters the ancient forest beneath the waiting lights.
✓ Quest Accepted
Have Vellum-of-Roots recognize Rui’s guardianship
Director's note
Rui attempts to heal his own hand, as it hurts quite a bit
The western path carries the company beneath silver-violet branches. Rui keeps the amber scale visible, while their wrapped palm pulses with lingering pain beside Little Ember’s eager stride.
Rui pauses beside a moss-covered root, bows their head toward the distant refuge, then turns back to Little Ember with a courteous smile. Their fingers gather a small healing charm.
Soft light coils around Rui’s injured palm. The burn’s sharpness fades to a dull throb, though the numbness remains, and the amber scale dims as the spell finishes.
Mizuki Akiyama
Much better! Now, Little Ember, behold the ceremonial travel collection: a moonstone clasp, a green ribbon, and three tiny bells!
Mizuki opens their satchel and displays the glittering trinkets one by one. Little Ember circles them, fascinated, while Tsukasa watches from Rhea’s saddle with solemn approval.
Mizuki Akiyama
You need something splendid for a rite of passage. The clasp sparkles, the ribbon flutters, and this bell announces every heroic step!
Towering Blaze
Moonstone clasp. Shiny like sky-light. Little Ember wears that.
Director's note
Mizuki claps in joy and fastens the clasp around Ember's neck, admiring their work happily. Rui smiles, Tsukasa exclaims in approval, and they continue on towards the old callers.
Rui smiles and bows respectfully toward the distant refuge, then turns back to Little Ember. Their healing charm continues to soothe the injured palm as Mizuki lifts the clasp.
Mizuki Akiyama
Excellent choice! Hold still, little sky-star. This moonstone clasp will make you look positively ceremonial!
Mizuki claps once in delight, then fastens the moonstone clasp securely around Little Ember’s neck. Its pale shine catches the silver-violet beaconlight without touching her wings.
Towering Blaze
Clasp shines. Little Ember looks like sky-light. Rui sees? Tsukasa sees?
Tsukasa Tenma
Magnificent! A fitting ornament for a dragon undertaking a legendary rite of passage! Rhea herself would approve!
Rui smiles as Little Ember raises her head, the clasp glimmering above her blue-gray scales. Mizuki admires the finished work while Rhea gives a pleased, low rumble.
The company continues along the western path beneath the waiting sky-beacons. Little Ember trots beside Rui, her new clasp shining with every eager step toward the old callers.
Quest Complete
Have Vellum-of-Roots recognize Rui’s guardianship