The great doors groan open. Beyond them, the court of the Elvenking’s Halls waits in cold silence, ranks of elves gathered beneath pale crystal lamps.
Tuiwen enters with her wounded shoulder bound beneath fresh linen. Tauriel follows at her side, while Eldred remains close behind, stern and watchful.
Thranduil
Tuiwen, daughter of Thranduil, you are called to answer the charge that you served the treachery of Saruman.
Tauriel
Let the accusation be weighed against testimony, not suspicion. Radagast’s witness is absent only because the court denied him safe passage.
A silver thread suddenly descends through the high chamber, carrying a sealed leaf of light. It bears the unmistakable mark Radagast used at Rhosgobel, and beneath it, a second seal from Gandalf.
The Court Herald
A message from the wandering wizard, Your Majesty. It names Saruman’s betrayal and confirms that the heartstone Tuiwen destroyed was proof of his corruption.
Whispers break across the court. Thranduil rises, his unreadable gaze fixed upon the living seal, and the hearing becomes more than a defense of his daughter. It is now a judgment on the darkness gathering beyond Mirkwood.
✓ Quest Accepted
Present the evidence of Saruman's treachery to the court
““FIRSTLY, I call upon all to witness that I have always been loyal to the Forest Realm. SECONDLY, my wounds bear witness to my service. THIRDLY, I am accused of treachery by no one other than Saruman, whose own treachery is now laid bare. FOURTHLY, I have brough a witness who can confirm everything I have said. FIFTHLY, we now have the evidence of two wizards, in proof of Saruman’s guilt.””
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Tuiwen
Firstly, I call upon all to witness that I have always been loyal to the Forest Realm. Secondly, my wounds bear witness to my service. Thirdly, I am accused by no one other than Saruman, whose treachery now lies bare. Fourthly, Eldred stands as my witness. Fifthly, we have the testimony and evidence of two wizards, proving Saruman’s guilt.
Her words carry through the crystal-lit hall. The court’s whispers falter as every charge finds an answer, and the sealed leaf shines between accusation and proof.
Eldred
I witnessed her choices in the forest. She opposed Dol Guldur, rejected Saruman’s offer, and bore the danger meant for others. His accusation is the lie.
Tauriel
The wound beneath her linen was earned in service, not conspiracy. Let the court remember who came home marked by the enemy’s hand.
The herald breaks Gandalf’s seal and reads the confirming lines aloud. Radagast’s testimony names the heartstone, while Gandalf’s seal vouches for the judgment.
The Court Herald
The evidence is authenticated. Saruman concealed his treachery within the White Council and sought to brand Tuiwen as its accomplice.
Thranduil
The court has heard its witness, and now it has heard the wizards. My daughter stands accused no longer. Let every voice here understand that Saruman’s betrayal is proven.
Quest Complete
Present the evidence of Saruman's treachery to the court