Lilith reaches her concealed refuge through the snow, the steady winter crystal clenched in her hand. The hidden door admits her, the incubus, and no one else.
Inside, Izalith, her younger sister, hurries from the warmer rooms. She is a pale, red-haired young woman in a bright wool dress, with an open, innocent smile.
Izalith
You brought someone home. Is he dangerous, or merely dramatic?
the incubus
Both, ideally. Though I am perfectly willing to become domestic if your sister permits me the privilege.
The incubus removes his wine-red coat and drapes it over a chair as though he already belongs there. His gaze lingers on Lilith, amused and deliberately inviting.
the incubus
Your wards are elegant, but one old protective mark has been disturbed recently. Odran’s successors may still pursue the claim, though Marra’s erased authority cannot be restored.
the incubus
We can discuss a safer answer. Yet the crystal may demand a dangerous choice, and I suspect you prefer dangerous choices when they remain yours to make.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep Odran Vey's successors out of the refuge.
“I give the incubus a suspicious look. I ask him if he could change form, if he can, to avoid detection. Possibly to another creature another gender another thing”
SUCCESS (Superb Persuasion, rolled -1)
Lilith von Solbruluna
Can you change form? If you can, become something less recognizable. Another creature, another gender, anything that avoids detection.
Lilith gives the incubus a suspicious look. Izalith’s smile fades as the winter crystal answers with a faint, uneasy chime from Lilith’s hand.
the incubus
I can. The disguise will alter my face, voice, scent, and presence, though not the oath-marks magic may recognize.
He steps away from the chair and draws one finger through the air. Violet motes gather around his horns, wings, and sharply tailored silhouette.
the incubus
Choose the impression you prefer: an elderly scholar, a broad-shouldered guard, a young elf woman, or something less likely to invite questions.
His form folds inward beneath the violet light. The horns vanish, the winged silhouette narrows, and the wine-red coat reshapes into a plain charcoal travel cloak.
the incubus
There. I am now a quiet young elf woman with ash-blond hair and ordinary features. The wards will admit me, but anyone searching for an incubus will pass me by.