Tau has scarcely left the practice court when Hirana reaches the private arcade from the east barracks. She steps into his path, while Ruouh follows with his mantle folded over one arm.
Hirana Yuna
There you are. Your return route was delayed, so I came to escort you home myself. Ruouh, you have had enough of his time.
Ruouh Falren
I gave him a lesson, not a captivity sentence. He disarmed me cleanly, and I promised further royal training. Surely you cannot object to competence.
Hirana Yuna
I object to you turning every exchange with Tau into a contest between us. His contract ends in two days, and until then he remains under Yuna protection.
Ruouh remains composed, though his smile narrows. Hirana moves beside Tau and gestures toward the arcade leading away from the palace, making her intended escort unmistakable.
Ruouh Falren
Then let him choose whose instruction continues today. I will not withdraw my offer merely because you dislike sharing his progress.
Hirana Yuna
This is not sharing, Ruouh. It is deciding whether he walks home with his protector or remains another piece on your board. Tau, we are leaving.
✓ Quest Accepted
Return to the Yuna residence before sundown
Tau Heathsburough leaves Private arcade behind and arrives at Yuna residence.
Director's note
I feel Ruouhs gaze on me as we walk and i try not to look back
“I thank Ruouh, then follow Hirana home before sundown.. I notice Hirana seems more tense. When we arrive back at the Yuna residence, I escort her to her room, I open the door for her and stand just outside. Then I ask, “Hirana, is there something you wish to make known to me before I leave for the Grand Knights exam?” I study her face to gauge her reaction.”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled -1)
The Yuna residence receives them beneath the amber light of late afternoon. Hirana’s steps are brisk, but her shoulders remain tight as she leads Tau through the quiet hall toward her room.
At her door, Tau opens it and waits just outside, granting her the privacy of the threshold. He studies her face, catching the guarded pause before she turns to him.
Tau Heathsburough
Hirana, is there something you wish to make known to me before I leave for the Grand Knights exam?
His careful attention finds the answer in her expression before she can hide it: relief at his return, and apprehension sharpened by the certainty that tomorrow may carry him beyond the Yunas’ immediate protection.
Hirana Yuna
Yes. I want you to know that I am proud of how far you have come, Tau. I am also afraid the court will claim every part of you once you pass.
Hirana Yuna
Do not mistake that fear for a command to stay. Pass the exam, become the Royal Guard you have worked to be, and remember that you are welcome here even when your duties change.
Her voice steadies on the final words, though her fingers tighten against the door. The admission leaves no hidden demand between them, only a clear welcome before Tau departs for the exam.
Quest Complete
Return to the Yuna residence before sundown