A bloodied young man staggers from a higher cleft, wearing House Valemont’s dark green and silver. His torn courier’s cloak smokes with fading spellfire, and one hand clamps a sealed bronze tube to his chest.
He reaches the passage mouth, stumbles across the narrow ledge, and collapses near Kara. The ravine wind carries distant horns from beyond the cliffs, answered by no visible voice.
the bloodied Valemont courier
The tube... Valemont... not the wardens...
The bronze cylinder remains locked beneath his blood-streaked fingers. Thin violet sparks crawl over his cloak, remnants of a pursuit spell that has not fully released him.
Embria
Little flame, do not touch the magic yet. Something followed him through the heights, and the horns suggest it has not stopped searching.
The ember-glow at Kara’s shoulder contracts to a guarded spark. Far above, loose stones rattle in the cleft, while the courier lies barely conscious beside the dark passage mouth.
“I nod slightly, looking to Embria. "He's one of Father's men." I say simply, backing away from the courier.”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +4)
Kara
He's one of Father's men.
Kara nods toward the courier, then backs away along the ledge, keeping her shoulder near the cliff wall. The distance opens cleanly between them.
Embria
I understand, little flame. He serves Edric Valemont, but that does not make his danger yours.
The guarded ember shifts between Kara and the courier. As Kara retreats, the violet sparks crawling over his cloak fade at once, leaving the bronze tube untouched and clearly visible.
the bloodied Valemont courier
Lady... Kara. The tube must reach House Valemont. Not the wardens.
Embria
He knows you, little flame. More importantly, his pursuit spell cannot follow you now. Your distance has broken its hold.
Beyond the courier, the higher cleft remains empty beneath the gray sky. Kara stands safely apart, while the bronze tube rests locked in the bloodied Valemont courier’s weakening grasp.
“"Father already abandoned me to the Beast Races, I can't go back to him." I say simply. "And I even apparently failed at that." I say, shaking my head slowly. "I do not know where we are human, but it's at least safe for now." I say, starting down along the other direction of the path. "Stay here, rest, use what bandages you can. I will not speak of your presence here, but I cannot go back."”
SUCCESS (Fair Conversation, rolled +1)
Kara
Father already abandoned me to the Beast Races. I cannot go back to him. And I apparently failed at that.
Kara shakes her head slowly, then turns along the ledge in the opposite direction. Her shoulder stays near the cliff wall as the path narrows beneath her careful steps.
Kara
I do not know where we are, human, but it is at least safe for now.
The courier watches her go, one hand still closed around the sealed bronze tube. Violet sparks no longer trouble his cloak, and the open sky gives the ledge a fragile quiet.
Kara
Stay here and rest. Use whatever bandages you can. I will not speak of your presence here, but I cannot go back.
the bloodied Valemont courier
Lady Kara... then go. I will bind what I can and keep the tube hidden. Your father will hear nothing from me.
Kara continues down the other direction of the path, leaving the courier beneath the cliff mouth. Behind her, his breathing steadies as he gathers the strength to tend his wounds alone.
✓ Quest Accepted
Break away from House Valemont's claim
“I stop only briefly. "You're a good human then. Safe travels to you." I say, turning my way back to the path before me, and walking at an unsure pace.”
SUCCESS (Fair Conversation, rolled +1)
Kara
You're a good human then. Safe travels to you.
Kara turns back toward the path and resumes walking, keeping one shoulder near the cliff wall. Her pace is unsure, but each step carries her farther from the passage mouth.
the bloodied Valemont courier
Safe travels, Lady Kara. May the open road show you more mercy than House Valemont did.
Behind Kara, the bloodied Valemont courier lowers himself beside the cliff mouth and begins binding his wounds with what remains in his torn courier’s kit. He does not call after her.
Embria
A gentle farewell, little flame. You left him his choice, and kept your own.
The ember-glow keeps close to Kara’s shoulder as the ledge bends onward. Wind moves through the ravine, and the uncertain path continues beneath the widening morning sky.
Quest Complete
Break away from House Valemont's claim