The bout ends beneath the valley banners. Grit darkens Titano’s scraped, wrenched knee as Orun approaches from beyond the boundary, carrying an ice-cold ceremonial drink; Arveth and a court attendant wait beside the completed arena record.
Orun
Receive this before the witnesses, brother. Let the drink mark more than a ruling. Let it bind your victory to the ring, and me to the bond it restores.
Orun extends the carved cup with both hands. Frost clings to its rim, and the scent of mint and mountain fruit rises above the dust.
Arveth
The record is complete and the ruling stands. Accepting the cup will place this victory in the Valley’s living memory, not merely its written law.
A Court Attendant
The witnesses are present, Chief. I will enter the ceremonial bond and the victor’s response exactly as given.
The attendant lifts the completed record, wax seals gleaming beside the ring. Orun holds the chilled drink steady before Titano, leaving the next gesture to him.
✓ Quest Accepted
Accept Orun's fellowship before the witnesses
“I accept the cup with both hands and drink before the witnesses.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Titano accepts the carved cup with both hands. Before Orun, Arveth, the court attendant, and the gathered witnesses, he drinks the mint and mountain fruit draught to the last drop.
The cold drink settles through him as frost melts along the cup’s rim. Dust, banners, and the ancient boundary stones frame the quiet ceremony.
Orun
Then the ring has received your answer, brother. I bind my respect to your victory, and my place beside you, before the Valley.
Orun lowers the empty cup and bows his head. Arveth’s stern posture eases, while the witnesses watch the gesture become part of the living arena record.
Arveth
Entered and witnessed. Titano accepts the cup, the Valley recognizes the bond, and this victory belongs to the restored ring.
A Court Attendant
Recorded precisely, Chief. The ceremonial bond and victor’s response stand beside the completed ruling.
The attendant seals the final entry. Around the ring, the witnesses remain silent as the empty cup passes from ceremony into memory.
Quest Complete
Accept Orun's fellowship before the witnesses