Serren eases the silver-banded door shut behind you. The archive’s hush thins into the shrine passage, where blue votive flames tremble in shallow alcoves.
Serren Vale
Maelin had allies once. Not loyal ones, perhaps, but brave enough while bravery cost them nothing.
They rest one shoulder against the carved stone, looking toward the darkened end of the passage rather than at you.
Serren Vale
When the lord’s people began asking questions, Hobb denied ever meeting her. Talla burned her letters. Meret swore Maelin had misunderstood the treaty, because admitting the truth would have ruined his family.
Serren Vale
I told myself silence was caution. It was fear, and fear dressed up well.
Serren Vale
You have already been seen carrying her name farther than most dared. So tell me, Carciel. What kind of witness do you intend to become?
“"One that does not turn a blind eye to the truth"”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +1)
Carciel
One that does not turn a blind eye to the truth.
The words settle between the blue flames, plain and steady. No oath follows them, only the choice to remain present.
Serren Vale
Then you will have to bear more than Maelin's name. You will bear what people did when her name became dangerous.
Serren's guarded posture loosens. They turn from the dark end of the passage and meet your gaze at last.
Serren Vale
There is something I did not tell Pell. Maelin did not vanish after finding the proof. She sent me to find a witness, then went willingly to the lord's court.
Serren Vale
I called it protection when I left that part unsaid. Perhaps it was only another kind of silence.
Serren Vale
If you still mean to stand beside the truth, I will show you where she was last seen. But I will not decide for you whether her trail is yours to follow.
“"I understand"”
Carciel
I understand.
Serren’s shoulders ease. They offer a small, grateful nod, and the blue flames steady around you both.
Serren Vale
Then we can face the truth without pretending it will leave us untouched.
“I take his hand again and softly say. "Then lead the way."”
Carciel
Then lead the way.
Carciel takes Serren’s hand again. Their fingers close around his, and together they turn toward the passage ahead.
Serren Vale
Gladly.
“Go to where Maelin last was”
They follow the passage to a quiet alcove where the votive light fades over an abandoned threshold. Serren slows, guiding Carciel to the spot.
Serren Vale
Here. Maelin was last seen crossing this threshold.
✓ Quest Accepted
Cross the abandoned threshold with Serren
“I investigate the threshold”
SUCCESS (Superb Perception, rolled +0)
Carciel studies the abandoned threshold, tracing the worn dust, the scuffed stone, and the faint silver residue caught in the cracks.
The marks form a clear pattern: Maelin crossed alone, but the threshold was opened from the far side and sealed again afterward.
Serren Vale
You see it too. She was not hiding here. She was being expected.
The insight settles the question. Carciel steps across the abandoned threshold, carrying the lute and Serren's hand with him.
Serren follows. Behind them, the silver bands flare once, then sink into the stone. The shrine passage is closed off, leaving only the chamber beyond.
Serren Vale
I should have told you. Maelin left a second warning, and I never learned whether the lord's agents found it.
In the chamber ahead, a covered table waits beneath a dark arch. Serren turns toward it, hand still joined with Carciel's, and waits for what they will do next.
Learn what Maelin’s second warning says
Quest Complete
Cross the abandoned threshold with Serren