Twelve days into academy life, Klause remains in the warded grounds with his covenant-marked palm faintly bleeding. Liora and Caelen stand nearby after Brakka’s assessment.
Across the central walk, a halfling girl of Klause’s age approaches in a neat navy council coat, flanked by two tall young adult men in silver-trimmed uniforms.
The first bodyguard, a young adult man with a square jaw and a silver shoulder clasp, has a broad build, dark skin, and cropped black hair. The second is lean, pale, and fair-haired. Their mana signatures strike Klause as strangely familiar.
Klause larent
They are the student body council. I have seen those signatures before, but I cannot place where.
Nearby students quiet as the trio crosses the stones. The halfling’s sharp eyes settle directly on Klause, while both guards watch the faintly glowing wardstones around him.
Liora
That is the council. They have been asking about the courtyard wards since yesterday.
Councilor Tessa Vale
Klause Larent, I presume. The council would like a word about the unstable ward reactions surrounding you.
✓ Quest Accepted
Address the student council’s concerns
“And all of your names are, I would like to know if I am to go with you”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled -1)
Klause larent
And all of your names are? I would also like to know whether I am expected to go with you.
The question quiets the nearby murmurs. Klause’s covenant mark pulses, and fresh blood slips from his palm onto the academy stones.
Councilor Tessa Vale
I am Councilor Tessa Vale. These are my escorts, Daren Holt and Silas Merrow. Yes, Klause Larent, we are asking you to come with us.
the broad council guard
Daren Holt. We are not accusing you of anything. The ward reactions require a formal account, and your presence will make that account clearer.
the lean council guard
Silas Merrow. The council chamber is close, and you may bring your companions. We only need your testimony and permission to examine the recorded disturbances.
Liora
I am coming with him. If this concerns the courtyard, I witnessed the duel and the wardstones’ response.
Tessa inclines her head, accepting Liora’s condition. The guards’ attention remains fixed on Klause’s bleeding palm, and suspicion settles over the invitation despite its courteous words.
“Ok, what is it then”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled +0)
Klause larent
What is it then?
Tessa studies Klause’s bleeding palm, then gestures toward the wardstones. The nearby students fall silent as the council guards form a measured perimeter.
Councilor Tessa Vale
The council wants an account of yesterday’s courtyard disturbance, including the phoenix, the griffin, and the force that awakened the old wardstones.
Councilor Tessa Vale
We also need to determine whether your covenant mark is causing the unstable reactions, or merely revealing damage that was already present.
Daren Holt
The records show several surges after your duel began. No one was harmed, but the eastern wardline registered enough pressure to require inspection.
Silas Merrow
Your testimony will be entered alongside Liora’s. You may explain the magic in your own words, and the council will examine the recorded patterns without touching your companions.
Tessa turns toward the central hall, where pale runes brighten along the paving stones. Liora steps closer to Klause, while the guards wait for him to follow.