Three days later, in Dol Amroth’s harbor office, the brazier inquiry rests securely in Lady Nerissa’s custody. Salt wind presses against shuttered windows as Tuiwen reviews the protected records.
The door opens for a Woodland courier bearing travel dust, a green-clasped cloak, and Thranduil’s sealed summons. He bows once, keeping the packet visible in both hands.
the Woodland courier
Princess Tuiwen, your father commands your immediate return to the Woodland Realm. A dragon has appeared near its borders, and refugees are crowding the king’s roads.
Lady Nerissa turns from the harbor register, her expression tightening. The courier sets the summons on the table but does not break its seal, and the room’s orderly quiet gives way to urgent attention.
the Woodland courier
The dragon’s origin and purpose are unknown. Its presence has disrupted the realm’s defenses, and His Majesty’s message gives no further account.
Beyond the office, dockworkers call softly beneath the gulls, unaware of the summons. The sealed packet waits before Tuiwen, carrying her father’s urgent command and leaving the next choice to her.
✓ Quest Accepted
Return to the Woodland Realm to face the dragon threat
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine the dragon’s origin and purpose
“She reads the message aloud.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled -1)
Tuiwen breaks Thranduil’s seal beneath the witnesses’ eyes and unfolds the reply. The lawful summons bears his hand, its urgency clear before she begins to read.
Tuiwen
“Tuiwen, return at once to the Woodland Realm. A dragon has appeared near our borders, and refugees crowd the king’s roads. Its origin and purpose are unknown. Bring your judgment, and come prepared to coordinate our defense.”
The final words settle over the chamber. Sovereign Heritage gives the summons its full weight, while Unerring Truth Seeker distinguishes Thranduil’s confirmed facts from his openly stated uncertainty.
Reasoning compares the reply with the courier’s account and finds no contradiction: the dragon is present, refugees are moving, and neither its origin nor purpose has been established.
Oath-Bound restraint prevents Tuiwen from turning urgency into an unsupported conclusion about the dragon. The reply instead becomes a precise summons, urgent without pretending to know more than it does.
Lady Nerissa
Your father has given you a danger, not a rumor. I will preserve this reply with the harbor records and witness your departure.
The Woodland courier receives the opened message for resealing, while Lady Nerissa orders its reading entered separately from the protected maritime inquiry. Thranduil’s reply has been heard, understood, and recorded.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure a witnessed departure for the Woodland Realm
“"I am dismayed to leave my work here, but I have faith that you yourselves can bring it to completion. I know not when I may return, but you can trust that the elves will ever be your allies against the shadow. I find myself without funds and therefore must beg the boon of a fast horse, for I have far to travel. Those who wish to bid me farewell will find me at daybreak tomorrow by the eastern gate."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Tuiwen
I am dismayed to leave my work here, but I have faith that you yourselves can bring it to completion. The elves will ever be your allies against the shadow.
Tuiwen
I know not when I may return. I find myself without funds, and therefore beg the boon of a fast horse, for I have far to travel. Those who wish to bid me farewell will find me at daybreak tomorrow by the eastern gate.
Her Oath-Bound nature keeps the promise measured: Tuiwen offers alliance, not assurances beyond her knowledge. Sovereign Heritage lends the request rightful weight, while Protector of the Kin makes its purpose plainly service to lives threatened by the shadow.
Lady Nerissa
Granted. A swift harbor horse will be readied for you before dawn, under witness and without charge. Your departure shall be entered separately from the inquiry, and your farewell will be announced at the eastern gate.
The harbor authority turns her request into an accomplished arrangement. The horse is promised for daybreak, the eastern gate is named, and the protected records remain secure in Lady Nerissa’s keeping.
the Woodland courier
I will carry word to the king that you depart at first light, Princess Tuiwen. May the road bear you swiftly home.
The summons is resealed and set beside the safeguarded inquiry papers. Outside, preparations begin quietly for the horse and the eastern gate, while anyone wishing farewell now knows where to find her at dawn.
“She packs some provisions for the journey, then arises before dawn for a quick breakfast before proceeding to the eastern gate.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -1)