A deep tone rolls through the emptied market. Beneath the living bridge, roots twist apart, revealing ancient steps descending into green-lit wood.
Ashen Knight
No. That chamber was sealed.
For the first time, the Ashen Knight strains against Vael’s violet chain. Ashfall shudders in its sheath, and the roots recoil from his armored boots.
Vael
His resistance has changed. He recognizes what lies below.
A young adult elf man arrives along the adjoining bridge, lean beneath dark green warden armor, with pale blond hair, pointed ears, and a sealed stone tablet in hand.
the elven warden
Nobody approaches the entrance. By authority of the record hall, this chamber remains undisturbed until its seal is witnessed.
Seris
The market is clear. Vael and I will hold the prisoner here, while Coco remains behind the ward line.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the newly opened chamber as evidence
“I ask the warden where I should stand to secure the entrance as evidence.”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled -1)
Coco
Where should I stand to help secure the entrance and preserve it as evidence?
the elven warden
Stand behind the third root-mark, beside the western ward stone. Do not cross the silver line or touch the steps.
The warden sets the sealed tablet against the bridge rail and points to a pale root-mark three paces from the revealed stair. A silver line glimmers around it.
the elven warden
Remain there with your hands visible. Your presence will witness the entrance without disturbing its traces, and your magic must remain still unless Seris commands otherwise.
The marked place lies behind Seris’s ward line, with a clear view of the ancient steps. The roots settle around the boundary, preserving footprints, disturbed soil, and fading Aether.
Seris
That position is secure. I will hold the prisoner, while you observe and report anything the chamber reveals.
The elven warden draws a second seal across the stone tablet. Its runes brighten, formally recording Coco as a cooperating witness while the entrance remains untouched.
Discover the purpose of the newly opened chamber
Quest Complete
Secure the newly opened chamber as evidence