At the eastern gate, the harbor horse stamps beneath its tack while the Woodland courier waits beside the sealed travel chest. Before Tuiwen can depart, Círdan climbs from the seaward road, carrying another sealed record.
Círdan
Lady Nerissa must receive this before Princess Tuiwen rides. It concerns the unknown boatman seen with the removed treaty brazier, and his route may intersect the northern roads.
Círdan offers the packet without breaking its seal. Its cord bears the maritime custody mark, while the harbor horse tosses its head toward the open road and the courier watches the paling sky.
Lady Nerissa
Then it enters the inquiry before it enters any saddlebag. I will receive it under witness, preserve the seal, and record precisely what remains unknown.
the Woodland courier
Princess Tuiwen’s departure was promised at first light. The king’s roads are crowded now, and every hour may matter to the Woodland Realm.
Lady Nerissa signals for the Court Herald, who approaches with fresh record leaves. The lawful handoff and the waiting departure now occupy the same narrow moment, with Tuiwen standing between them.
“"I bid you both farewell and success in all your endeavors. I leave with the knowledge that whatever may come, the situation is in responsible hands."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Tuiwen
I bid you both farewell and success in all your endeavors. I leave with the knowledge that whatever may come, the situation is in responsible hands.
The words pass quietly but carry the full weight of Tuiwen’s heritage. Her oath permits no careless reassurance, while her duty to threatened lives makes the confidence a measured act of protection, not ceremony.
Lady Nerissa
And your trust is received in the same spirit. The inquiry will remain lawful, the witnesses protected, and the unknowns plainly marked as unknown.
Círdan
May your road be swift, Tuiwen. You leave this harbor knowing its work is guarded, and we leave you free to answer your father’s summons.
Lady Nerissa accepts the farewell without delaying the handoff. Círdan inclines his head, and the Court Herald closes the fresh record leaves around the witnessed receipt.
The Woodland courier steps aside as the harbor horse settles beneath its tack. The sealed travel chest is secured, the eastern gate stands open, and Tuiwen’s departure proceeds without abandoning the inquiry.
the Woodland courier
Ride safely, Princess Tuiwen. I will tell the king that you departed with the harbor’s trust and its work in responsible hands.
“Her plan is to follow the left bank of the Anduin River to Lothlorien, then cross it to Rhosgobel and follow the Old Forest Road to the Elven King's Halls.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +0)