The roots withdraw from the stair, peeling away like pale serpents and revealing cracked steps rising toward the mausoleum forecourt. You lead upward, sword ready, searching every stone and shadow for danger while Elian remains close behind you.
Beyond the broken doors, blue radiance spills across a ring of armed witnesses. Black-and-gold banners bearing a silver hawk stir above them, while spears and crossbows turn toward the returning company.
Vaelith emerges behind Elian, untouched by the collapsing tomb, and Merek follows with his ivory staff raised. The witnesses hold their ground, forming a guarded line across the forecourt.
Merek Voss
Those are House Veyr's sworn witnesses. Their authority is recognized in these marches, and they will demand an account before they accept this alliance.
Merek Voss
Knight, speak publicly for Elian Marrow. Tell them why she entered this tomb, why we stood beside her, and what became of Kharuun, or our agreement fractures here.
The foremost witness lowers a spear by a finger's breadth, waiting. Elian stays directly behind your shoulder, silent and tense, while Vaelith watches the banners as though remembering an older judgment.
Elian Marrow
I will answer whatever you say, knight. But let the truth be spoken before fear gives these witnesses a verdict.
Merek Voss
Then account for her, Sir knight. Their patience is the last bridge between our alliance and open accusation.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure House Veyr’s acceptance of Elian and the alliance
“*I explain to everyone what happened and that the monster in there was a bitch and easy as fuck to kill and that Elian did nothing wrong and is under my protection and if the people don’t believe me I’ll kill them super dead*”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Sir Johnathan Rommel
Kharuun was a grave-wyrm, and killing the beast was easy as fuck. Elian Marrow did nothing wrong. She stands under my protection, and anyone who doubts that can die super dead.
Your blunt account carries across the forecourt, naming the pact, the failing binding, the exposed heart, and the stroke that ended Kharuun. The witnesses lower their weapons, chastened more by certainty than courtesy.
House Veyr's sworn witnesses
We accept the account. Elian Marrow is under your protection, and House Veyr will not seize her here. Your threat, however, will be entered beside your testimony.
The foremost witness signals, and the line parts from the doorway. Spears dip, crossbows turn aside, and a scribe beneath the silver hawk begins recording your words as a formal declaration.
Merek Voss
You secured her freedom, knight, but your threat has purchased a blood-debt of reputation. House Veyr will remember that you made judgment personal.
Elian Marrow
You spoke plainly, and they heard you. I will not forget that protection, Sir knight, even if your temper now follows us into every hall.
Vaelith passes beneath the broken banners without pause. Behind you, the dead tomb settles into silence; before you, House Veyr’s witnesses leave a clear road, but their record now carries your menace with your victory.
Quest Complete
Secure House Veyr’s acceptance of Elian and the alliance