Delfarius slips from the vault into the lower district alley, damp stone closing around him. Tharlen still leans where he was left, diamond blade catching moonlight, evidence tucked tight under one arm. The city above murmurs, but here the night waits on their next move.
Tharlen
Took you long enough. I found the runner's trail, and I found why House Veyl keeps the worst door sealed.
He lifts the diamond blade and turns it just so. Its edge drinks the ward-light, then answers with a pale, ringing shimmer. The stone wall beside him trembles as if something unseen listens from within it.
Tharlen
This blade is keyed to their personal wards. Not to break them, to slip through them. The lord's own protections will open for the right resonance, then bite shut behind us.
Delfarius
The blade is a lockpick for a warded vault.
Tharlen taps the iron key in Sir Kaelor's hand into the runner's parcel, then back to the blade, a small grin sharpening his mouth. Key, blade, ledger, parcel. Each planted piece now fits the house's hidden skeleton.
Tharlen
Kaelor carries the key, I carry the blade. You carry the darkness. Together, we go through the final ward and make House Veyl answer for it.
“I sigh. I hand the parcel and ledgers to Tharlen. I lift my eyebrow then smirk. "I came for what I required from this ordeal." I look over to the knight and the sword weaver. 'I only needed a soul of an oathbreaker, I could care less for the fate of his fucking house.' I think to myself and my thoughts alone.”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +2)
Delfarius lets out a tired breath and passes the parcel and ledgers across to Tharlen. The papers leave his hand cleanly, as if the last loose thread in the house's lie is finally tied off.
Delfarius
I came for what I required from this ordeal.
He lifts one eyebrow, then lets a thin smirk settle in place. The charm-dust still clings to his sleeve, pale against the dark fabric.
Delfarius
Only an oathbreaker's soul mattered. The house itself is collateral.
Tharlen takes the bundle, posture easing a fraction as the evidence becomes one weight in his hands instead of three in separate places.
Tharlen
Good. Then House Veyl has no excuse left, and no shield left either.
Sir Kaelor
Keep the witness with the proof. If this ends cleanly, it ends for good.
+ New Item Acquired
Bundle of evidence
“"The girl?" I ask Sir Kaelor. "You were sworn to protect her were you not? I leave her in your hands to keep safe." I smirk at Tharlen then Sir Kaelor. "Good luck with the whole evidence thing."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled -2)
Delfarius
The girl? You were sworn to protect her, were you not? I leave her in your hands.
Delfarius tips his smirk toward Sir Kaelor first, then Tharlen, as if handing over a blade he has already tested. The charm-dust on his sleeve catches the moonlight and turns his gesture into a final, careless dismissal.
Sir Kaelor
I was. I am. She will not be left unguarded while I still draw breath.
Tharlen
And I will make sure the proof survives the telling. That is more than House Veyl deserves.
Sir Kaelor’s grip tightens on the iron key, not from fear now, but from the weight of being entrusted with something living. Tharlen shifts the parcel and ledgers against his chest, protective in a way that reads almost grudging.
Sir Kaelor
If this ends cleanly, it ends for good. I will keep the witness safe, Delfarius.
Delfarius
Good luck with the evidence.