The solar door opens beneath the inner guards’ watch. A young woman in a russet dress and white kerchief curtsies, her hands folded neatly at her waist.
The Maid
My lady, Lady Elin, Lady Mara, your private chambers have been prepared for the night. The adjoining room is warm, and fresh water has been set within.
Lady Elin glances toward the guarded passage, then to the Baroness. Mara gathers the inheritance papers, while Odo keeps the sealed records and ivory token secured in his leather folio.
Lady Elin Veyne
My lady, shall Sir Isenborn remain with us while we settle in, or will the guards take responsibility for the passage tonight?
the Baroness
Sir Isenborn will escort you to the chambers and remain there until the door is secured. Odo keeps the evidence, and the courier waits under guard until dawn’s arrangements are settled.
The maid steps aside, a young adult woman with a slim build, warm brown skin, dark eyes, and dark hair tucked beneath the kerchief. Beyond her, the prepared chambers promise quiet and privacy, while the solar retains the ledger, token, and waiting courier. The Baroness turns to Isenborn, leaving the escort’s final shape for him to answer.
“I turn to Lady Elin and Lady Mara and say "When you are ready ladies, I shall escort you to your private chambers and wait until you have sealed the door. Also I suggest that you ensure any windows in the room are secured as well."”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Isenborn
When you are ready, ladies, I shall escort you to your private chambers and wait until you have secured the door. Ensure the windows are fastened as well.
Lady Elin Veyne
We are ready, Sir Isenborn. I will see the windows secured before the door is barred.
Mara Veyne
A sensible precaution. I will check the shutters and latches while Elin settles the papers.
The Baroness gives a confirming nod. The maid leads Lady Elin and Mara through the guarded passage, while Isenborn follows close enough to command the threshold.
Inside the warm chambers, Mara tests each window latch and secures the shutters. Lady Elin checks the second fastening, then both women bring the door closed beneath Isenborn’s watch.
Lady Elin Veyne
The windows are secured, and the door is barred. Thank you, Sir Isenborn. You may remain outside as promised.
The latch settles firmly. Isenborn takes his post outside the sealed chambers, with the inner guards holding the passage and the maid waiting nearby for further instruction.
“I turn to the maid and say "I shall remain posted at the door. From time to time you may wish to return to see if the ladies require anything."”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Isenborn
I shall remain posted at the door. From time to time you may wish to return to see if the ladies require anything.
The Maid
Of course, Sir Isenborn. I will check on them as needed and bring whatever they request.
The maid curtsies and accepts the arrangement without hesitation. She glances toward the barred door, then turns toward the nearby service passage.
The Maid
If either lady calls, I will return at once. Otherwise, I shall bring water and a small tray when they are settled.
The maid withdraws a short distance but remains within easy reach. The inner guards hold the passage behind Isenborn, while the secured chamber stays quiet beyond the door.
Isenborn
The door is barred, the windows secured, and help remains close.
✓ Quest Accepted
Complete the assigned guard duty
“I stand at my post listening for any sign of disturbance or until someone comes to relieve me of the duty.”
SUCCESS (Good Perception, rolled +0)
Isenborn stands watch beside the barred chamber, listening through the quiet wood. The inner guards remain behind him, and the service passage carries only faint household sounds.
Isenborn
The chamber stays quiet, but the passage sounds travel poorly through these thick doors.
Time passes in measured silence. Isenborn hears no cry or summons from within, yet the muffled movement beyond the door remains too indistinct to identify, demanding continued attention.
At last, light footsteps approach from the service passage. The maid appears with a covered tray, slowing when she sees Isenborn still firmly at his post.
The Maid
No disturbance, Sir Isenborn. I have brought water and a small tray, and I will wait until the ladies call for me.
She sets the tray on a nearby stand without touching the bar. Isenborn has kept the chamber under watch and detected no emergency, but the uncertain sounds have cost him time and leave their source unchecked.
✓ Quest Accepted
Arrange relief for the night watch
“Do I know who would be appropriate to relieve me in this situation?”
YES, AND MORE (Likely, rolled 12)
The maid pauses beside the tray, then glances toward the two inner guards. One stands ready to relieve Isenborn, while the other keeps the passage watched.
The Maid
The nearer guard can take your post, Sir Isenborn. The Baroness ordered the inner watch to rotate through the night, so neither lady is left unwatched.
The nearer guard steps forward and touches two fingers to his brow. His quiet readiness confirms that the arrangement is known, not improvised at the servant’s word.
Inner Guard 1
I can hold the door until the maid returns, Sir Isenborn. If anything changes within, I will call you or Captain Harl before opening it.
The maid’s tray remains within reach, and the relief now knows the exact boundary of his duty. Isenborn has a named replacement and a direct alarm route through Captain Harl.
The Maid
I will fetch the captain if the ladies call, and return here afterward. You need not abandon the passage to learn whether they require anything.
“I knock on the door and say through it loudly "Ladies, I stand relieved for the time being. There is a guard stationed at the door to protect you and the maid has brought a tray of refreshments and stands ready should you require anything."”
FAILURE (Fair Oratory, rolled -1)
Isenborn
Ladies, I stand relieved for the time being. There is a guard stationed at the door to protect you, and the maid has brought refreshments and stands ready if you require anything.
The thick door swallows part of Isenborn’s announcement. The guard nearest the chamber hears every word, but only the final promise carries clearly into the room beyond.
Inner Guard 1
They heard you, Sir Isenborn, but the door muffled the details. I can repeat the message through the wood if you wish.
Lady Elin Veyne
We heard that you are relieved, Sir Isenborn. Did you say the maid brought water and food?
The question reveals the opening left by the failed announcement: the ladies know the guard remains present, but the tray’s contents and the maid’s availability need repeating through the door.
The Maid
The tray is here, my lady. I remain nearby, and I will attend you at once if either of you calls.
Quest Complete
Complete the assigned guard duty
Attribute Upgrade: Perception Good→Great
Quest Complete
Arrange relief for the night watch