The garden settles into quiet. Kareem Bishop steps through an arch of clear water and arrives at Moonwell Gate, where pale moonlight spills across ancient stone and the air tastes of rain.
Kareem Bishop
I ask the garden to return me to Empress Xifeng at Moonwell Gate.
Garden Steward Ilyra
The passage recognizes her presence. It will open fully when the garden's first lawful delegation is spoken before the threshold.
Archivist Meru
Recorded: Kareem Bishop travels by invitation, not summons. The elder roots' retained claim remains active during his absence.
Beyond the wavering arch, Empress Xifeng waits beside the moonlit gate with Archivist Shen. The water holds the image steady, but the threshold remains closed, listening for the delegation.
Garden Steward Ilyra
Name who carries the garden's interests, who bears witness, and what claim must remain protected while you stand in the empress's presence.
✓ Quest Accepted
Have the garden’s return path recognized as a voluntary diplomatic channel
“I name Ilyra as the garden's delegate and Meru as its witness.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Kareem Bishop
I name Ilyra as the garden's delegate and Meru as its witness.
The clear-water arch brightens around the declaration. Its ripples form two steady rings, one around Ilyra's reflection and one around Meru's ledger.
Garden Steward Ilyra
I accept as steward of the garden, not as its ruler. I carry its interests, and no claim beyond them.
Archivist Meru
Recorded and witnessed. The elder roots' retained water claim remains protected, separate from the eastern basin's completed casting.
Empress Xifeng
Then this passage is recognized as a voluntary diplomatic channel. Kareem Bishop returns by invitation, and the garden sends its delegate by consent.
Archivist Shen
The register will preserve that distinction. Shall the first delegation now state its request, or shall the threshold remain open for observation?
Quest Complete
Have the garden’s return path recognized as a voluntary diplomatic channel