A small feline slips from beneath a spice stall beside the fountain. Its obsidian fur drinks the sunlight, violet eyes fixed on Diamond, while shadowy wisps curl around its paws.
The creature carries a torn strip of black parchment between its teeth. As Diamond’s restrained aura shifts, the fragment glows faintly and grows warm enough to send a shimmer through the air.
Ettel turns sharply from the shield stall. Her hand closes around her practice sword, and her shoulders square as she measures the feline’s strange wisps and unwavering stare.
Ettel
Easy now. Are you lost, little one, or are you here to threaten someone?
Myra glides closer without a sound, the parchment dangling from her jaws. She stops just beyond Ettel’s reach, but keeps her luminous eyes trained on Diamond.
Ettel
You know this creature? If so, say so quickly. That parchment is reacting to your magic.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep Diamond’s nature concealed during Myra’s arrival
“I speak to her saying, yes, I know this creature. Ebay. Hmm. This creature happens to be my companion. And. And that magic that just is happening to react to me. It must be reacting to my magic. Big because. I'm kind of a wizard, you know, so. That's the easiest part, you know. But don't worry. I use it for her good things and not for bad things at all, huh. That's just as who I am.”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled -1)
Diamond Oren.
Yes, I know this creature. Myra is my companion, and the magic reacting to you is reacting to my own. I am something of a wizard, but I use it for good, not harm.
Diamond’s restrained infernal presence unfurls like a warm shadow, bending the sunlight softly around him and lending his reassurance an alluring calm. The parchment’s shimmer settles into a steady glow.
Ettel
You could have led with that. Still, I believe you. Myra does not look like she fears you, and your magic has not harmed anyone.
Ettel lowers her hand from her practice sword, though she keeps her stance ready. Myra releases the parchment and pads to Diamond’s side, her violet eyes bright.
Ettel
All right, wizard. I will not interfere with your companion. But if that parchment signals danger, tell me before it reaches the market.
The torn black parchment lies between Diamond and Myra, its heat fading beneath his aura. Around them, the market resumes its ordinary noise, and Ettel watches without suspicion.
Quest Complete
Keep Diamond’s nature concealed during Myra’s arrival