Liora remains behind to settle into her own quarters while Klause follows glowing corridor markers, carrying his belongings from the ward hall. The academy gradually quiets around him.
His assigned room stands open. Serin Vale is already inside, inspecting protective script along the windowsill beside an unfamiliar warded trunk bearing no academy seal.
Serin Vale
Your roommate arrived before you. I found him examining the trunk, though neither of us can identify who placed it here.
A young adult elf man rises from the room’s second bed. He is lean and tall, with warm brown skin, tousled white hair, pointed ears, and a green traveling coat.
the elf roommate
I am Caelen Aris. The room assigned me this morning, and the trunk was already waiting beneath the window.
Serin Vale
There is no immediate danger in its script, but the warding style is unfamiliar. Trust begins with clear questions, not convenient assumptions.
Caelen steps aside, leaving the trunk untouched. Its engraved lid gives a faint, blue pulse as the room’s protective script answers the newcomer’s presence.
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine who placed the warded trunk
✓ Quest Accepted
Discover the warded trunk’s connection to Klause’s inherited power
“This crest is familiar I say putting my hand on it and unlocking the crest”
SUCCESS (Superb Arcana, rolled +0)
Klause larent
This crest is familiar.
Klause places his hand against the engraved crest. Its blue pulse warms beneath his palm, and a threefold mark briefly mirrors across the trunk’s lid.
The ward recognizes him. Fine lines of light unwind from the crest, releasing the lock with a soft click as the lid opens.
Caelen Aris
You knew that mark? The trunk refused every touch before you arrived.
Serin Vale
Interesting. The crest has answered through lineage or prior ward contact, not ordinary academy authorization.
Inside rests a folded blue mantle, a sealed letter bearing the same crest, and a small crystal set in protective padding. The room’s scripts settle into silence.
Caelen Aris
Whatever it contains, it was meant for you. I will not touch anything else without your permission.