Evening settles over the gatehouse, turning the frost-blue stones violet. Traver sleeps beneath the patrol healer’s watch, his breathing steadier, though his recovery remains uncertain.
Alena Knight
When you transform, do you remain yourself? Or is there another part of you that can take control?
Alena stays beside Belron on the quiet inner step, keeping her voice low. Beyond them, the riders tend the horses while the healer checks Traver’s pulse.
Alena Knight
Your wounds close quickly, but does wolfsbane truly stop that healing? Can it kill you?
Alena Knight
And how many werewolves are left? You spoke of your kind as though the world has nearly erased you.
The patrol healer pauses at Traver’s bedside and glances toward the western slope. A faint movement slips between distant trees, too far to identify, then vanishes.
Alena Knight
Was that the watcher who warned us before? Belron, what should I understand before I decide whether I can trust the rest of your truth?
“"I remain myself when I transform, and can even speak. Wolfsbane negates our healing abilities and can make wounds fatal. I am not sure how many of us are left. I have not had contact with the brotherhood in many years. Not since my wife and daughter were killed. Understand one thing Alena, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. I would never hurt you." He blushes again.”
FAILURE (Mediocre Persuasion, rolled +0)
Belron Valerion
I remain myself when I transform, and I can speak. Wolfsbane negates our healing and can make wounds fatal. I do not know how many remain. I have had no word from the Brotherhood since my wife and daughter were killed. Understand this, Alena: I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. I would never hurt you.
Belron’s voice stays low as he gives her the truth. When he finishes, a blush rises again across his face, stark in the violet evening light.
Alena Knight
I believe that you mean it. But believing your intention is not the same as knowing what happens when the beast inside you is frightened or angry.
Alena’s gaze remains on him, anxious but steady. She does not retreat, though her hands tighten together beside Traver’s sleeping form.
Alena Knight
You have told me what you can do and what can kill you. The part I still need is what you do when control becomes difficult.
Alena Knight
Tell me that, and tell me how I can recognize danger before it reaches you. Then I can decide how to stand beside you, instead of merely trusting a promise.
Her questions leave a clear path forward: not another oath, but practical truth about his limits, warning signs, and the ways she might help keep both him and Traver safe.
✓ Quest Accepted
Tell Alena how to recognize and manage loss of control