The wendigo lies dead and limp beneath Belron on the battlement, its monstrous limbs finally still. Frost glitters across the stones around them.
The Patrol Captain
Lower your blades. He saved this waystation, and we owe him our lives. Stay alert, but do not threaten him.
The patrol captain lowers his sword. His wary riders follow, though their eyes remain fixed on Belron’s transformed shape as the barred gate opens.
Alena Knight
Belron, please come inside. Traver is stable now, but the healer needs to examine you too. I am relieved, and I am frightened.
Alena stands just inside the gate, one hand resting near Traver’s stretcher. The patrol healer remains beside him, while clean bandages and steaming water sit ready.
Belron Valerion
Alena’s fear is plain, and she now knows what I am.
Alena Knight
I still trust you, Belron. But I need you to return inside and let me see whether you are hurt.
✓ Quest Accepted
Be examined by Alena for injuries
That death is permanent, and the dead person cannot return to life.
“Belron returns to human form and returns inside. "I am not hurt Alena. My injuries heal fast."”
FAILURE (Good Willpower, rolled -1)
Belron’s fur recedes and his powerful frame settles back into human form. He steps through the opened gate, leaving the dead wendigo behind on the frost-bright battlement.
Belron Valerion
I am not hurt, Alena. My injuries heal fast.
The words are steady, but his breath catches and one hand briefly presses against his side. The patrol healer notices before Alena can answer.
Alena Knight
You are healing, perhaps, but that does not mean you are unharmed. Please let her examine you.
Patrol Healer
He has taken strain, at least. I will not guess at the rest from across the yard. Sit, and let me look.
Belron’s reassurance has not eased Alena’s fear. Instead, the patrol healer’s observation turns the gatehouse attention toward him, making examination the necessary next step.
Alena Knight
I still trust you. But you cannot stand between us and the truth of what happened to you.
“"I am sorry I didn't tell you whatvI was Alena. I was worried you would be afraid, and send me away. I have come to enjoy your company." A blush creeps across his cheeks as he says the last part.”
FAILURE (Mediocre Persuasion, rolled +0)
Belron Valerion
I am sorry I did not tell you what I was, Alena. I feared you would be afraid and send me away. I have come to enjoy your company.
A blush creeps across Belron’s cheeks. The admission hangs between them, sincere but exposed, while the patrol healer waits with folded cloth and steaming water.
Alena Knight
I am afraid, Belron. I would be lying if I said otherwise. But fear is not the same as wanting you gone.
Alena’s almond-colored eyes flick toward his hand at his side, then return to his face. Her trust remains, but it no longer rests on silence.
Alena Knight
I enjoy your company too. I just need to know what else you have kept from me before I can feel safe beside you.
Alena Knight
Let the healer examine you now. Afterward, if you are willing, tell me the truth about your kind. I will listen before I decide anything.
“Belron nods and let's the healer examine him, but his wound has already healed. "I will tell you whatever you want to know Alena."”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +2)
Belron nods and sits where the patrol healer directs. She examines his side with careful hands, finding only cooling skin where the wound had been.
Patrol Healer
The flesh is closed. I can find tenderness, but no open injury. Your healing is remarkable, whatever its cause.
Belron Valerion
I will tell you whatever you want to know, Alena.
The patrol healer folds the clean cloth away. Around them, the riders remain watchful, but the immediate fear has eased with the proof that Belron is not concealing a fresh wound.
Alena Knight
Then begin with what you are. How much of you is human, and how much of this curse can you control?
Patrol Healer
Let him answer in his own time, girl. Truth forced from a frightened tongue is rarely the whole truth.
Alena stays beside Traver’s stretcher, facing Belron openly. She is afraid, but she does not retreat, and her invitation leaves the choice of confession in his hands.
Quest Complete
Be examined by Alena for injuries
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Good→Great