Ettel reaches the riverside warehouse first, practice sword at her hip and a borrowed ring of harbor keys clenched in one hand. Liora remains at the harbor office with the ledgers, while no inspectors follow.
The warehouse squats against the quay beneath salt-stained beams. Nearby workers pause with ropes and handcarts as Myra glides to the sealed front door, shadow wisps gathering tightly around her paws.
Ettel
Diamond, help me inspect this before anyone else enters. Protecting the workers matters more than following procedure if that crate’s trail leads here.
Ettel studies the lock, then the shuttered windows. Her borrowed keys jingle as she steps between the warehouse and the waiting workers, making her choice plain.
Ettel
Stay close. I can hold the threshold, but I want your judgment before I open anything.
Ettel knocks. For a breath, only river water and rope creaks answer. Then the sealed door knocks back from within, three measured blows, and her confidence visibly falters.
Marek Thorne
Ettel? Step away from the door, and tell me who you brought with you.
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine who is behind the sealed warehouse door
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish a practical partnership with Ettel
“I start to speak to whoever is speaking. Just helping out all the. A night here just. You know . Make sure nothing threatens the whole whole city somehow. But. Hood, I'm just a wizard trying to help her. That's it.”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled -2)
Diamond Oren.
I am only a wizard helping Ettel keep danger from reaching the city. I spent the night making certain no threat hides here, and I mean no harm.
Raw magic gathers naturally around Diamond’s words, requiring no ritual or component. His restrained infernal presence bends the light into gentle shadow, though the old fear his reputation carries makes the waiting workers edge farther from him.
Marek Thorne
You sound sincere enough. I am Marek Thorne. Ettel may enter, but you will remain where I can see you, wizard.
The three measured knocks cease. Bolts withdraw within the warehouse, and the sealed door opens inward, revealing a narrow passage lit by shuttered lanterns. The immediate danger is no longer barred from inspection.
Ettel
Thank you for answering without forcing the issue, Diamond. Marek, I am entering, and he stays with me. If you know anything about the marked crate, tell us plainly.
Ettel crosses the threshold, still wary but committed to the agreement. Outside, Myra’s violet eyes remain fixed on the passage while the nearby workers whisper and keep their distance from Diamond.
Marek Thorne
Then come in. But understand this favor has a price: if your name brings trouble to my warehouse, I will hold you responsible before the harbor authorities.
Quest Complete
Establish a practical partnership with Ettel
Quest Complete
Determine who is behind the sealed warehouse door