The estate’s gates stand open to the tournament uproar. Below the stone gallery, armored lords clash beneath snapping pennants while Elianor Vale watches from behind a guarded rail, her refusal plain in her rigid stance.
Celia Graves slows beside Maurice, pale eyes tracking servants and guards alike. Their hurried movements carry the same grayish weakness she has seen before, spreading through the Duchess’s household.
Celia Graves
The sickness is here too. Not merely in the sickroom. It is moving through everyone who tends her.
A broad-shouldered herald, a middle-aged man with a weathered face, iron-gray hair, and a crimson tabard, raises his staff beside the arena. One contestant a young adult man with a lean build, a bloodied face, and a torn brown gambeson lies motionless as physicians pull back.
The Broad-Shouldered Herald
The next bout is forfeited unless Elianor’s champion presents himself now!
The herald’s declaration hangs over the yard. From the gatehouse, armed guards advance in a tightening line, hands near sword hilts, clearly moving to intercept Maurice and Celia.
Celia Graves
They are not welcoming us. Decide quickly, Maurice. The arena, the gallery, or the household’s hidden sickness waits on your next step.
✓ Quest Accepted
Present himself as Elianor’s champion
✓ Quest Accepted
Discover the cause of the sickness spreading through the Duchess’s household
“I must step in as Elianor's Champion, she can aid us in investigating the illness. The I announce "I Maurice Headsman will be Elianor's champion as requested."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Maurice Headsman
I, Maurice Headsman, will be Elianor's champion as requested.
Maurice's declaration cuts through the tournament din. The advancing guards halt, and every face in the gallery turns toward Elianor and her newly claimed champion.
The Broad-Shouldered Herald
Accepted! Maurice Headsman stands for Elianor Vale. Clear the challenge ground and witness the oath.
The guards part reluctantly, opening a path to the arena. Above them, Elianor grips the rail, her rigid defiance easing into sharp, guarded attention.
Elianor Vale
Then come forward, champion. If you truly stand with me, we will expose what is poisoning this household.
Celia Graves
Good. The arena gives us authority, and the household gives us access. We can pursue both without delay.
A bell sounds from the judges' platform. Servants draw back from the sickroom corridor as the estate accepts Maurice's claim, leaving the champion's path open beneath the gallery.
Quest Complete
Present himself as Elianor’s champion