Lord Edric returns to the side gallery carrying half a notched wooden tally. Othmar follows nearby, remaining within earshot as the academy’s neutral witness.
Lord Edric Marrow
Captain, I found this among the Marrow household papers. The matching half once recorded a debt owed to the Yarb family.
Edric sets the wooden piece on the folio between them. Its notches are worn but deliberate, and a dark line crosses one end where another half may once have joined it.
Lord Edric Marrow
The original proof was supposedly burned years ago. I cannot show the matching piece, the account book, or a witness who saw the debt settled.
Othmar Venn
Then the object may preserve a lead, but it does not establish a lawful claim by itself. Its standing depends on provenance, corroboration, and the authority of the record it once joined.
Lord Edric Marrow
That is why I brought it here. Captain, should this be examined as surviving evidence, or dismissed as a lie built around a convenient piece of wood?
✓ Quest Accepted
Forgive Tally for alliance with the Marrows
“It matter not to me whether your family owes mine a debt my friend, it cannot be for such a large price to make it that important otherwise my father would have sent word to your family long ago, he must have forgiven the debt and so shall I though i would ask for something in return if youll hear me out?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Nilsar Yarb
It matters not to me whether your family owes mine a debt, my friend. It cannot be so large that my father would not have sent word. He must have forgiven it, and so shall I. But I would ask something in return, if you will hear me out.
Nilsar speaks without pressing the tally toward Edric. Commands Earned Trust makes the forgiveness sound settled rather than theatrical, while Keeps Reliable Accounts anchors it in the absence of any prior notice or surviving demand.
Lord Edric Marrow
Then I accept the forgiveness in the spirit offered. You have spared my household an old uncertainty, Captain, and I will hear your request before answering it.
Edric lifts the notched half from the folio and sets it aside, no longer treating the fragment as a claim demanding settlement. Othmar remains nearby, attentive but silent.
Othmar Venn
A debt may be forgiven without creating a new alliance. State the return you seek plainly, and let its own terms be judged on their merits.
Lord Edric Marrow
I am listening, Captain. Tell me what you would ask in return, and I will answer as Edric Marrow, not as the keeper of an uncertain family account.
Quest Complete
Forgive Tally for alliance with the Marrows
“As you may know there are many nobles who use marriages to secure alliances between families and I would like to discuss the possibility of a female member of your family marrying into the Yarbs and creating a long lasting alliance between our families.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Nilsar Yarb
As you may know, many nobles use marriage to secure alliances between families. I would discuss a female member of your family marrying into the Yarbs and creating a lasting alliance between us.
Edric studies Nilsar in silence, weighing the proposal as a family matter rather than a bargain over the forgiven tally. Othmar remains within earshot, an impartial witness to the conversation.
Lord Edric Marrow
You have asked plainly, Captain, and I will answer plainly. My sister Aveline is of suitable age and standing, and I would consent to discussing a marriage between her and a member of the Yarb family.
The proposal is accepted as a genuine possibility. Commands Earned Trust gives Nilsar’s request the dignity of a serious family approach, while Interprets Legal Records keeps the distinction clear between discussion, consent, and a binding marriage agreement.
the Marrow daughter
A proposal from the Yarb family deserves careful consideration, especially from a captain whose service has earned royal notice.
Lord Edric Marrow
I will send word to Aveline and present your proposal without embellishment. If she agrees to meet, we can discuss terms, expectations, and whether either family requires the matter witnessed by the proper authority.
Othmar Venn
That is the lawful course. The families may open the discussion, but the woman’s consent must be direct, and no alliance exists until the agreed terms are properly witnessed and recorded.
“Ask Edric to arrange Aveline's meeting”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Nilsar Yarb
Edric, please arrange Aveline’s meeting with me. I would discuss the proposal directly, with both families’ expectations stated plainly and lawfully.
Nilsar’s request is precise and respectful. Commands Earned Trust gives it the weight of a serious captain’s proposal, while Interprets Legal Records keeps discussion, consent, and binding terms distinct.
Lord Edric Marrow
I will arrange it now. Aveline will meet you in the Marrow family’s academy reception room before the evening bell, with Othmar present if you both wish the discussion witnessed.
the Marrow daughter
I agree to the meeting. I want to hear Captain Yarb’s terms from him directly, and I will speak for myself about any marriage arrangement.
Othmar Venn
Then the meeting is properly arranged. Let the discussion remain voluntary, and let any agreement be written only after both parties have given clear consent.
Edric records the time and place in his household memorandum, then sends a page to confirm the arrangement. Aveline remains free to question Nilsar directly, and the planned meeting now stands before them.
✓ Quest Accepted
Discuss the marriage proposal with Aveline Marrow
“I will ask Aveline what duties she would accept as my wife and what she can bring to the Yarb household.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +3)
The reception room receives Aveline, a young adult woman with a composed face, dark braided hair, and a deep green gown fastened by a silver Marrow clasp. Edric and Othmar remain nearby as witnesses.
Nilsar Yarb
Aveline, what duties would you accept as my wife, and what can you bring to the Yarb household? I ask so both families understand the arrangement plainly before discussing terms.
the Marrow daughter
I would manage a household, receive guests, oversee servants and accounts, and represent the family courteously when you are away. I would not surrender my judgment or become merely an ornament to your name.
the Marrow daughter
I can bring disciplined household administration, Marrow connections, and knowledge of noble custom. I would expect access to the household accounts, clear authority over domestic matters, and honest notice before your voyages or royal duties take you away.
Commands Earned Trust makes the exchange direct without making it coercive. Interprets Legal Records keeps Aveline’s duties, authority, and expectations distinct from a binding marriage contract or family alliance.
Othmar Venn
Her terms are precise and lawful. More importantly, Aveline can introduce the Yarb household to two established academy patrons who may support your advancement, provided she chooses to make those introductions.
Quest Complete
Discuss the marriage proposal with Aveline Marrow
“I can agree to those terms if you can also agree to engage in noble duties such as hosting tea parties for the other ladies of the court and make public appearances with me at events as my wife.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +3)
Nilsar Yarb
I can agree to those terms if you can also agree to noble duties: hosting tea parties for the court’s ladies and appearing publicly with me as my wife.
Nilsar states the added duties as clear conditions rather than vague expectations. Commands Earned Trust gives the proposal social weight, the Signed Commendation supports his standing, and Keeps Reliable Accounts makes each obligation precise and reviewable.
the Marrow daughter
I agree. I will host suitable gatherings for the court ladies and appear with you at public events as your wife, provided we decide the invitations and occasions together.
Aveline’s agreement completes the added condition. She reaches for a fresh folio, while Edric watches with open approval and Othmar remains ready to witness the terms.
the Marrow daughter
I will also arrange our first reception with Lady Catrin Vale and two established court patrons. Their attendance can open your advancement to noble circles sooner than academy introductions alone.
Lord Edric Marrow
That is a meaningful advantage, Captain. Aveline’s introductions would place your public service before patrons already familiar with the academy’s standards.
Othmar Venn
Then record the duties, mutual choice of occasions, and the proposed reception separately from the marriage terms. Both families will know exactly what has been accepted.
“Professor Venn please dispatch a letter to the king informing him of this political marriage within his kingdom, Edric please write to your father and eldest brother about this proposal and I will write to my family so we all secure the permissions of family for the marriage to be held. I would also ask my family handle the marriage as we dont follow typical kingdom tradtions.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Nilsar Yarb
Professor Venn, please dispatch a letter to the king informing him of this political marriage. Edric, write to your father and eldest brother. I will write my family, and ask them to handle the marriage according to Yarb custom rather than kingdom tradition.
Nilsar places the Signed Commendation and Sealed Academy Order beside the fresh folios. Commands Earned Trust gives the request formal standing, while Interprets Legal Records separates royal notice, family permission, and the marriage ceremony itself.
Othmar Venn
I will notify the king that a proposed political marriage within his kingdom is being arranged lawfully, with both families seeking permission and the Yarbs requesting their own customary handling. The academy will retain a copy.
Lord Edric Marrow
I will write my father and eldest brother today. I will state Aveline’s consent, your terms, and the request that the Yarb family conduct the ceremony under its own customs, subject to lawful recognition.
the Marrow daughter
That is acceptable to me. I will sign a separate statement confirming my consent and the duties we agreed, so no relative can mistake this for an arrangement made without my voice.
Othmar drafts and seals the royal notice, Edric writes to the Marrow household, and Nilsar prepares his family letter. Keeps Reliable Accounts records each sender, recipient, consent, custom, and requested permission without merging their separate authorities.
Othmar Venn
The letters are dispatched by reliable academy hands. The cost is now public scrutiny: the king’s office will expect notice of the marriage, and any unusual Yarb custom must be explained before recognition is granted.
“Before I leave the negotiations present my green cloak to lady Aveline and offer it as a gift to her securing our marriage.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Before leaving the reception room, Nilsar removes his green academy cloak and presents it to Aveline. Commands Earned Trust gives the gift the weight of a public pledge, while the cloak visibly marks his standing and service.
the Marrow daughter
I accept this gift, Captain Yarb, and I accept the marriage it signifies. I will wear it before both families as proof that I chose this alliance openly.
Aveline takes the cloak in both hands and settles its green folds over her shoulders. The gesture transforms a private proposal into a visible Marrow and Yarb commitment before Edric and Othmar.
Lord Edric Marrow
Then I will record that Aveline accepted your gift and consented to the marriage. You have secured my family’s public commitment, Captain, but the cloak will make that commitment impossible to conceal.
The cost becomes immediate: Nilsar no longer wears the green command cloak that identifies him to academy staff and patrols. Its absence will require explanation, while Aveline’s public use of it will invite scrutiny.
Othmar Venn
The gift is accepted, and the marriage is now a declared political undertaking. I will amend the academy notice to record the cloak’s transfer, but your changed appearance will be discussed.
Quest Complete
Establish an alliance between Yarb and Marrow
Skill Upgrade: Craft (Blacksmith) Great→Superb