Ruouh steps beside the podium and closes the open book with one gloved hand. The shifting pages stop, while silver light steadies across the vaulted archive.
Ruouh Falren
Royal protocol would require witnesses, a scribe, and a summoned keeper of the archive. Instead, you and I stand here alone with a record that may implicate the crown.
Ruouh leaves his hand resting on the closed cover. The hidden chamber offers no echo, and the silver glow outlines his guarded expression without softening it.
Ruouh Falren
You swore to protect me as a Royal Guard. I know what that oath demands. But tell me, Tau, is your protection merely sworn service?
Ruouh Falren
Or is it something more personal than duty, something you would choose even if the crown gave you no command at all?
The question remains between them. Ruouh does not reach for the book again, and the steady silver light gives his private challenge unusual weight.
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine what the archive record implicates about the crown
“I look Ruouh in his eyes and study him for a moment before glancing down at the book. I want to see what’s in the book, but Ruouh seems to be guarding it. To lower his guard, I place both of my hands on top of his hand on the book and look at him. “I would protect you even without an order, Ruouh…” I pause and study his expression, not knowing whether I crossed a boundary by saying his name so informally.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Tau meets Ruouh’s eyes, studying the guarded prince before glancing toward the closed book. The silver glow catches every shift in Ruouh’s expression.
He places both hands over Ruouh’s gloved hand on the cover. Pressure draws a faint seep through Tau’s healing palm covering, but the Royal Guard Armor supports his steady posture while Courtly Insight keeps the gesture intimate rather than presumptuous.
Tau Heathsburough
I would protect you even without an order, Ruouh…
The phobia tightens beneath Tau’s ribs, yet Legendary Willpower holds his gaze unwaveringly. His pause gives the confession room to settle, while his hands remain gently over Ruouh’s.
Ruouh Falren
You crossed no boundary, Tau. You have finally answered me plainly.
Ruouh turns the book beneath their joined hands and opens it. The revealed record names a royal bloodline, a sworn guard, and a hidden succession pact binding the archive’s awakening to their presence.
Ruouh Falren
This is what I guarded: the archive recognizes us together, and records that the sworn guard may choose the crown’s protection as his own.
Quest Complete
Determine what the archive record implicates about the crown