The grove is small, half hidden in a pocket of stone and roots. Pale light leaks down from a crack above, and the archive’s hush settles around the party like a blanket.
Slaan stands at the edge of the moss, watching Nhal adjust to the cloak’s weight. The violet sheen on the fabric catches when they move, then softens again.
Nhal
This feels... steadier. Like I am not borrowing the world anymore.
Nhal takes a careful step, then another, testing balance, testing breath. Their motion grows smoother, more human with each quiet stride.
Bren
They look lighter. Good.
Kynes
Yes. Let them learn it slowly.
Kynes and Bren remain a few paces back, giving the moment space. Nhal glances toward Slaan, then down at their own hands, as if still surprised to find them there.
Nhal
Thank you. For this, and for not looking away when it was easiest.
The grove stays quiet, warm in its own strange way. For once, no one rushes to the next door.
✓ Quest Accepted
Build real trust with Nhal
“"naw, it's nothing. I'm sorry for the choaking spell and treating you like a puppy" I say slightly embarrassed and awkwardly”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled +0)
Slaan’s apology comes out awkwardly, but it lands cleanly in the hush of the grove.
Slaan
It is nothing. I am sorry for the choking spell, and for treating you like a puppy.
Nhal stills, then lets out a slow breath. The relief in their shoulders eases into something warmer.
Nhal
You name it plainly. That matters more than pretending it did not happen.
Bren
Good. Honest beats polished.
Kynes
And she means it. I can hear that much.
Nhal
Then I will say this plainly too, I trust you more for saying it.
The tension in the grove loosens, not gone, but softened into easy quiet. Nhal keeps the cloak close and meets Slaan’s eyes without flinching.
Quest Complete
Build real trust with Nhal
“I give her a hug, " see! I knew we would be buds!" I say with excitement”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled -2)
Slaan steps in with sudden brightness, arms open. Nhal meets her halfway, and the hug lands easy, cloak and dark robes folding together in the pale grove light.
Slaan
See? I knew we would be buds!
Nhal
Buds, then. That is a friendly shape to grow into.
Nhal’s hands pat Slaan’s back once, careful and real, before easing away with a small laugh that seems almost surprised to exist.
Bren
That was adorable. Also, very much you.
Kynes
The change in the room is immediate. Less guarded, more shared.
The warmth of the moment settles over the grove. Even the hanging roots seem to hold still, as if listening.
✓ Quest Accepted
Strengthen the bond with Nhal
“Ask Nhal what they remember of the world before they were bound to the archive.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +0)
Slaan lets the question hang softly between them, and Nhal stops mid-step. Their shoulders settle as they turn, one hand still brushing the cloak as if grounding themself in it.
Nhal
Before the archive? I remember light on open stone, and wind. I remember moving without being watched.
Nhal
There was a market, I think. Fruit in nets, wet herbs, voices everywhere. The details slip if I press too hard.
They look down at their own hands, flexing them with quiet wonder, as though the memory of having hands is still new.
Nhal
I remember fear, too. Not of the dark. Of being named, and sealed, and made useful.
Bren’s expression changes at the edge of the clearing, and Kynes goes still, listening without interrupting.
Nhal
But this is clearer. The archive stole shape from me. You gave some of it back.
Nhal lifts their gaze to Slaan, open and steady, as the grove holds its breath around the answer.
Quest Complete
Strengthen the bond with Nhal