The market’s bright conversation falters. At the far end of the living bridge, the Ashen Knight emerges beneath a flowering arch, ancient black armor dimming the vine-light around him. Ashfall remains sheathed.
Aether shudders through Sylvariel. Vines stop glowing, an elf stares at an unopened parcel, and another slowly examines her own hands as if she has forgotten why she came.
Seris
Stay behind me, Coco. Do not approach him.
Seris steps between Coco and the armored figure, one hand hovering near her registered weapon. Market-goers retreat along the bridge, leaving baskets and carved charms scattered beneath the silent branches.
Ashen Knight
There you are. I wondered how long Sylvariel would keep pretending this was your first visit.
The Knight’s faintly glowing eyes settle on Coco. Around him, the living wood tightens, and several elves blink as fragments of forgotten purpose return in the wrong order.
Ashen Knight
You asked me a question beneath Yggara once. You have forgotten the question, but not the answer. Shall I remind you?
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the Ashen Knight from compromising Sylvariel’s protections
“*Im still wearing my green and black robes with black snadles. and I dont have a weapon on me* "what the fuck how did you FIND ME"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Coco stands in the green and black guest robes, black sandals planted on the living bridge. No weapon hangs at his side; his registered arms remain behind in the guest quarters.
Coco
What the fuck? How did you find me?
The question cracks across the silent market. Seris keeps herself between Coco and the Ashen Knight, while the surrounding vines twitch toward the armored stranger.
Ashen Knight
Because you did not merely come to Sylvariel. You followed the path we made together, even after your memories were taken.
He raises one gauntleted hand. A thread of ash-dark light appears between his fingers, mirroring the green radiance that once filled Yggara’s root-ring.
Ashen Knight
The channel beneath Aurelia answered when you awakened. The reliquary, the journal, and the World Tree carried your presence farther than any road could.
Seris
You will not touch him, invoke the roots, or alter another memory. Explain yourself under Sylvariel’s law, or leave this bridge.
“*I shoot a blast of green magic at him* "Veal assist me!"”
SUCCESS (Superb Arcana, rolled +2)
Coco
Vael, assist me!
Green radiance erupts from Coco’s outstretched hand, crossing the market in a bright lance. It strikes the Ashen Knight squarely, scattering ash-dark light across his armor.
Vael
Your call is heard.
Vael’s horned form surges from the mark’s shadow beside Coco, a warding chain of violet force snapping around the Knight’s raised arm and pinning it at his side.
Ashen Knight
Still reckless. Still willing to burn through everything you have to force an answer.
The blast drives the Ashen Knight backward across the living bridge. Roots coil around his boots, while the market’s shaken Aether settles under the pressure of Coco’s green magic and Vael’s binding.
Seris
The attack landed, and he is restrained. Coco, remain behind me while I demand his surrender under Sylvariel’s law.
“I ask Seris to evacuate the market”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled +1)
Coco
Seris, evacuate the market. Get everyone clear of the bridge.
Seris
At once. Sylvariel’s guests and citizens, leave the bridge by the marked paths. Wardens, guide them calmly and do not touch the roots.
Seris raises her silver-leafed gauntlet. Her command travels through the living wood, and wardens emerge from adjoining bridges to lead the market-goers away in orderly streams.
Vael
The passage clears. I will hold the chain while they withdraw.
Vendors abandon their baskets and follow the wardens beneath flowering arches. Children are carried across the next bridge, while the living roots widen a safe route around the bound Knight.
Ashen Knight
You still place strangers between yourself and the truth, Coco. Even now, you make Sylvariel move for your sake.
Seris
The market is evacuated, and no civilian remains within the ward. Now answer under Sylvariel’s law, or be removed from its living city.
Quest Complete
Keep the Ashen Knight from compromising Sylvariel’s protections
Skill Upgrade: Arcana Superb→Legendary