The battle falls quiet around the ravine. Neris lies unconscious beneath the watch of Sanbreque dragoons, while Lord Maelor Vey remains bound nearby, guarded and silent.
Veyra kneels beside the travel chest, arranging Maelor’s orders, Jorren’s dispatch, captured statements, and the false colors into separate bundles for the journey back.
Caspian leads Betram a few paces from the others, beside water still sliding through the shattered stones. The prince’s gaze drops to Betram’s casting hand.
The pale Curse mark crosses Betram’s knuckles, stark against the lingering damp and dust. Caspian’s expression tightens as the last battle-light fades from the pass.
Caspian
That mark was not there when we met at the tower. What did the magic truly cost you, Betram?
Behind him, Veyra continues sorting the proof while the guards hold Neris and Maelor apart. Caspian waits beside the fading watercourse, leaving the answer entirely to Betram.
✓ Quest Accepted
Tell Caspian what the Curse has cost me
“"It is the Crystal's Curse. The more magic I use, the more I prime, the more it will slowly spread. It will happen to you too someday. It's the burden we dominants carry." He looks up and meets Caspian's eyes. "But I don't care. I would have sacrificed more to save you of I had too.... You.... you know how I feel about you."”
SUCCESS (Good Flirting, rolled -1)
Betram Steelstream
It is the Crystal's Curse. The more magic I use, the more I prime, the more it will slowly spread. It will happen to you too someday. It's the burden we Dominants carry.
Betram Steelstream
But I don't care. I would have sacrificed more to save you if I had to. You... you know how I feel about you.
Caspian holds Betram's gaze beside the fading watercourse. For one suspended moment, the battle, the proof, and the guarded prisoners fall away from his attention.
Caspian
I know now. I have known for a long time, but I was afraid to make you say it while kingdoms stood between us.
Caspian
And I love you too, Betram. That does not make the Curse smaller, but it means you will not bear its burden alone. Not while I can stand beside you.
Caspian closes his hand around Betram's unmarked forearm, careful of the casting hand. Veyra glances over from the chest, and the nearby dragoons plainly witness the prince's answer.
Quest Complete
Tell Caspian what the Curse has cost me