The twenty-one sparks settle behind Peros's ring as the concentric sigils slow. The Grand wizard lowers his rod, leaving the final judgment suspended rather than complete.
the Grand wizard
The rite must pause here. Its final judgment remains unfinished, but the guild may record what has already been revealed.
At the Grand wizard's command, the remaining applicants file beneath the tower arch. Peros's mother stays by the wall, while Kael's mother and father remain behind him as witnesses.
the Grand wizard
Peros and Kael, you have leave to travel together. Go to the adventuring guild; its registrar will decide how these unusual abilities enter its ranks.
The brass guardian folds close around Kael's arm, its copper heart still echoing the layered rhythm. Kael steps toward the lower passage, then waits for Peros beside the open arch.
Kael
The old quarter lies between us and the guild. Shall we see what the registrar makes of a Confluence and an Artificer?
Behind them, the dormant sigils hold their unfinished promise. Ahead, blue sconces guide the two young men into the tower's lower passage, with the guild waiting beyond the old quarter.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach the adventuring guild
✓ Quest Accepted
Gain recognition as an adventurer
“might as well, but first Kael i have something to ask you. but first i need to explain something i have a secret, that i've told nobody else other than my mother i am shay'a'chern do you know what that means?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Peros
Kael, I have something to ask you first. I have a secret I have told nobody but my mother. I am Shay’a’chern. Do you know what that means?
Peros speaks quietly beneath the blue sconces. Kael stops beside the arch, and the folded brass guardian stills against his arm while the unfinished rite watches in silence.
Kael
Shay’a’chern? No. I have heard old words for bloodlines, curses, and prophetic callings, but never that one.
His confident expression gives way to careful attention. He glances toward the tower passage, then back to Peros, keeping his voice low enough for the secret to remain between them.
Kael
If your mother knows its meaning, then it is not a word to dismiss. Tell me what Shay’a’chern means, and I will tell you whether anything in my studies resembles it.
The lower passage remains open before them, but Kael does not urge Peros onward. For the moment, the guild can wait while the secret receives his full attention.
“It's because it's not a bloodline, curse or phophetic in nature. it means "one whose lover is like self"”
SUCCESS (Good Reasoning, rolled +0)
Peros
It is not a bloodline, curse, or prophecy. Shay’a’chern means one whose lover is like self.
The meaning rests quietly between them. Kael’s guarded attention shifts into surprise, and the brass guardian gives a faint, uncertain click against his arm.
Kael
A lover like oneself. Then it speaks of likeness, not inheritance. I understand why you kept the word hidden.
Kael lowers his voice further, honoring the privacy of the confession. The empty passage carries only the soft crackle of blue fire behind them.
Kael
It is stranger than any bloodline claim, yet clearer than a prophecy. He has named a bond in terms of likeness.
Kael
I have not encountered the term in my studies, Peros. But I believe you are telling me its true meaning.
His expression settles into respectful curiosity rather than suspicion. Kael remains beside the arch, leaving Peros’s secret acknowledged before either of them continues toward the guild.
“i'll simplify it further... I'm not interested in girls...”
SUCCESS (Good Reasoning, rolled +1)
Peros
To simplify it: I am not interested in girls. Shay’a’chern means that the person I love is like me.
Peros states the meaning plainly beneath the blue sconces. Kael absorbs the clarification in silence, while the brass guardian gives one soft click against his arm.
Kael
Then Shay’a’chern describes the likeness you seek in a lover, not a family line or a curse.
Kael’s surprise settles into understanding. He keeps his voice low and his posture still, treating the confession as knowledge entrusted to him rather than a curiosity to display.
Kael
I understand now. You are not speaking of prophecy or inheritance, but of whom you could love. I will remember the distinction.
The passage remains quiet around them. Kael steps aside only enough to leave the way to the guild open, the secret acknowledged before either young man continues.
“Will you be able to handle the fact that if or when i bed another, it will be with another male. if you cannot, i understand, and we can part ways here.”
SUCCESS (Good Reasoning, rolled +1)
Peros
Can you accept that, if I love another, he will be another man? If you cannot, I understand, and we can part ways here.
Kael receives the question without looking away. The blue sconces murmur softly behind him, and the folded brass guardian remains still against his arm.
Kael
He is asking whether I can stand beside him without asking him to become someone else.
Kael
I can accept it, Peros. Another man's place in your heart does not diminish your worth, nor does it give me cause to turn from you.
His answer is quiet, but it leaves no uncertainty. Kael shifts aside from the passage, making room for Peros while keeping his respectful attention on him.
Kael
You need not part ways with me over this. If we travel together, it will be with the truth between us, not with a condition imposed upon you.