Eldred staggers into the narrow seam of roots and mist, hands still raised as if to keep the truth from striking first. His torn cloak hangs open, and the bark-sample at Tuiwen’s side pulses faintly in answer.
Eldred
Wait. Do not turn away from me yet.
Eldred
My secrecy was a shield, not a knife in your back. I hid the burden because I feared what would follow if it was seen.
The forest holds its breath around them. Pale roots twist along the path edge, and the shadows recoil as if the sample’s glow bites them.
Eldred
I know enough to lead us nearer the source. Not the whole shape of it, not yet, but enough to name the hand that stains the wood.
Tuiwen
He is still empty-handed.
Eldred lowers one hand slowly, the other still open in appeal, watching Tuiwen as though her answer may decide whether he stands with her or vanishes into the dark.
“"Go there then. Or follow me if you wish to explain it to Radagast." She continues.”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled +1)