The convent courier, an adult human man of average build with a narrow face and brown hair, wearing a weather-darkened blue courier's cloak returns beneath the ducal seal, accompanied by a wary middle-aged woman envoy in dark green wool, silver clasp, and rain-beaded black hair.
At the gatehouse table wait a freshly sharpened sword, clean bandages, and a sealed letter bearing the Duchess’s device. Sister Agnes stands beside them with the novice recorder.
the ducal envoy
Elianor Vale, the Duchess invites you into her personal guard, under the terms you set. She asks one witnessed proof that your patron answers freely.
the ducal envoy
A physician will make a deep cut upon my arm. You will heal it before these witnesses, or the invitation will be respectfully withdrawn.
Sister Agnes
Only if Elianor consents. No seal, title, or expectation can command her gift, and the trial ends the moment she refuses.
Elianor Vale
I understand the condition. I will not heal for spectacle, obedience, or advancement. I will listen, and answer only if my patron gives freely.
The envoy removes her glove and rests her forearm beside the bandages. The sword remains untouched, its honed edge catching the gatehouse light, while every witness waits for Elianor’s decision.
“I ask what terms govern the guard invitation”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Maurice Headsman
What terms govern the guard invitation? State them plainly, so Elianor may choose with full knowledge.
the ducal envoy
The appointment is voluntary and may be ended by Elianor without penalty. She answers to the Duchess’s household guard, not to the baron, the Roads Office, or the convent.
The ducal envoy opens the sealed letter and lays it beside the sword. The novice bends over fresh parchment as rain taps against the gatehouse shutters.
the ducal envoy
She will receive court training, lawful pay, lodging, and rank as a lady-in-waiting if she accepts that station. No marriage, courtship, religious service, or use of her patron’s gift is required.
Sister Agnes
Add that her testimony, papers, healing, and conscience remain her own. Any duty involving divine favor requires her consent each time, and refusal cannot void her protection.
the ducal envoy
Those terms are written and sealed. The Duchess seeks a sworn protector by choice, not a possession under another name. Elianor may inspect the letter before answering.
Elianor Vale
The invitation offers office without claiming ownership, but its written terms must withstand the court as firmly as they do this room.
✓ Quest Accepted
Have Elianor heal the envoy
“I call for the physician to make the envoy’s witnessed cut.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Maurice Headsman
Call the physician. Let the witnessed cut be made under these terms.
The novice summons a physician, an elderly woman with a lean frame, silver-braided hair, and a dark brown healer’s robe marked by years of use. She approaches the gatehouse table.
the physician
I will make one measured incision, bind it afterward, and stop if the envoy withdraws consent. The witnesses will see the wound and its healing.
The ducal envoy places her bare forearm upon the clean bandages. The physician draws the sharpened sword’s edge across the agreed mark, producing a controlled cut before the witnesses.
the ducal envoy
The proof is begun under consent. Elianor, answer only if your patron freely answers you.
The physician presses folded linen to the ducal envoy’s arm and steps aside. Sister Agnes records the hour, the witnesses, and the ducal envoy’s continued consent while Elianor listens in silence.
“I have elianor ask her patron for the power to heal the wound.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled -1)
Elianor lays two fingers beside the envoy’s bandaged arm and closes her eyes. The gatehouse quiets until rain and measured breathing are all that remain.
Elianor Vale
Patron, I ask for the power to heal this wound, freely and only for the good before me.
Warmth gathers beneath Elianor’s hand, clear and willing. A faint gold passes through her hair as the cut closes beneath the linen, leaving only a pale line.
the physician
The wound is sealed. No fevered flush, no hidden bleeding, and no trick of bandage conceals the healing.
the ducal envoy
The Duchess has her proof. Your patron answered freely, and no command or bargain compelled the gift.
Sister Agnes
Novice, record the petition, the consent, the visible healing, and the gold strand. Let the testimony state that Elianor chose the act.
Elianor Vale
The answer came freely, and it stopped when the wound was whole.
Quest Complete
Have Elianor heal the envoy
New Gift: Reads Healing Signs