Elianor arrives in the Duchesses Garden as the castle steward fastens the last clasp of the Duchess's new clothes around her. Ivy, clipped herbs, and damp stone hide the garden from the castle windows.
The garments cover the torn ivory gown and soften the outline of the fresh silver brand at her throat. Their heavy layers offer protection as well as concealment.
the castle steward
Hold still, my lady. One more fastening, and no one will see what they must not.
The steward is a narrow, middle-aged man with pale, weathered skin, thinning brown hair, and a green wool coat. His fingers tremble at the final clasp.
Maurice Headsman
Open this gate! I have business with the woman brought from the road, and I will not be dismissed by servants!
The demand rolls over the garden wall, followed by a hard rattle of the iron latch. The steward glances toward the gate, then back to Elianor.
the castle steward
They say the visitor knows of the ambush. I can delay him only moments longer. Decide whether you remain hidden, or let me bring him in.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the garden's shelter secure
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what the visitor knows about the ambush
+ New Item Acquired
Duchess's clothes
“I motion for the steward to bring the visitor in.”
Elianor Vale
The gate is the only clear way to learn what happened on the road.
Elianor motions the steward forward. He bows once, gathers his composure, and crosses the damp path toward the iron gate.
Beyond it stands a broad-shouldered middle-aged man with weathered brown skin, a shaved head, and a short gray beard. A dark traveling cloak hangs over his plain wool clothes, and an old sword rests at his hip.
the castle steward
You may enter, but keep your voice measured. This is the Duchess's garden.
The steward lifts the bar and opens the gate. The visitor steps inside, boots dark with road mud, then stops several paces away from Elianor.
Maurice Headsman
At last. I am Maurice Headsman. I saw the ambush, and I came because the woman from the road deserves to hear what I know.
“I smile and hug Maurice like I am welcoming an old friend.”
FAILURE (Fair Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Elianor smiles and crosses the space with her arms opening, aiming to embrace Maurice Headsman as she would an old friend.
Maurice Headsman reacts before she reaches him. He shifts aside and catches her forearms, stopping the embrace without wrenching them, his immense frame suddenly guarded.
Maurice Headsman
Forgive me. A road ambush teaches a man to distrust sudden closeness.
He releases her at once, but the failed welcome leaves him facing her openly. His hard expression eases, and he lowers his voice for the castle steward's sake.
Maurice Headsman
Still, I know you now. You were not the ambush's target. They wanted the silver-marked woman taken alive.
Maurice Headsman glances toward the garden wall, then touches two fingers to the sword at his hip. The admission offers a sharper path than rumor: someone ordered her capture.
the castle steward
Then tell her who gave that order, Maurice. No more riddles in this garden.
Quest Complete
Learn what the visitor knows about the ambush
“I signal the steward to keep Maurice concealed. I also tell Maurice "you saved my life from the Baron why wouldn't greet you as a loved one when ever I see you?"”
SUCCESS (Fair Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Elianor Vale
You saved my life from the Baron. Why wouldn't I greet you as a loved one whenever I see you?
Elianor signals sharply toward the gate and the garden wall. The steward understands, lowers the iron bar, and draws Maurice beneath the shelter of the clipped yew hedge.
the castle steward
Stay there, Maurice. From the castle windows, you are only shadow and leaves.
Maurice stands concealed among damp branches, his great shoulders tucked awkwardly beneath the hedge. His guarded face changes as her words reach him.
Maurice Headsman
Because men like me are taught that affection is a hand reaching for a weapon. I should have remembered you are not men like me.
Maurice Headsman
The Baron ordered your capture. His men carried a sealed writ bearing his mark, and they meant to deliver you alive to the old chapel beyond Blackmere.
The steward closes his hand around the gate bar and listens toward the castle. Maurice keeps his voice low, but the accusation settles heavily in the hidden garden.
“I check the garden gate and wall for watchers”
SUCCESS (Fair Perception, rolled +1)
Elianor studies the iron gate first, tracing its hinges, latch, and muddy threshold without touching them. No fresh footprints or disturbed grit mark anyone waiting outside.
She follows the garden wall beneath the clipped yew, checking gaps between stones and the narrow view toward the castle. Ivy hangs undisturbed; no watcher peers through.
Elianor Vale
The gate and wall are clear, but the castle windows remain a risk.
The castle steward watches her inspection from beside the lowered bar. His shoulders ease when she turns back, though he keeps one hand wrapped around the iron.
the castle steward
Nothing outside, then? Good. I would rather not discover a second pair of eyes listening to us.
Maurice shifts under the hedge, careful not to shake the wet branches. Beyond the wall, only distant hooves and the muted castle bells disturb the morning.
Maurice Headsman
If the Baron has watchers nearby, they are not stationed at this gate. We have a little privacy, at least.
Quest Complete
Keep the garden's shelter secure
Skill Upgrade: Diplomacy Fair→Good