The iron token in Gutty Greenspot’s pocket flares hot again as she reaches the Black Chapel doors. The sting in her side answers at once, bright and cruel, as if the same spell still lives under her skin.
She pushes through the ache and steps beneath the archway. Dawn light spills across the threshold, and Lord Vane waits in the shadow just beyond, watching her with that same unreadable stillness.
The pulsing glow in Gutty’s midsection shows through her clothes for a heartbeat. The pain does not vanish. It settles, deeper than a bruise, deeper than a cut.
Lord Vane
You felt it, then. The mark has taken root.
Lord Vane
Come closer, Gutty Greenspot. Let me see how far the chapel’s price has entered you.
Gutty Greenspot
The mark is not fading. It is still there.
He gestures toward the dark mouth of the chapel interior, where incense smoke curls in the cold air. The sealed note still waits in Gutty’s keeping, and Vane’s gaze does not leave her side.
“"Wait, so this sting is your doing? I can't say I'm too pleased with that... You'll have to pay more for that dance you wanted."”
SUCCESS (Great Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Gutty Greenspot
Wait, so this sting is your doing? I cannot say I am pleased. You will have to pay more for that dance you wanted.
Lord Vane
A fair bargain, if the chapel asks more than I first named. You do not speak like a servant bringing a note, Gutty Greenspot.
He steps closer, not to crowd her, but to study the faint glow beneath her clothes. The incense and dawn light meet on the chapel stones like pale gold and soot.
Lord Vane
Name your added price, and I will hear it in full.
Gutty Greenspot
The token burned, and now the chapel has marked her too.
Gutty holds her ground through the ache, and her demand lands cleanly. Vane gives a slow nod, accepting the charge without protest. Somewhere inside, the chapel bell tolls again, low and solemn.
Lord Vane
Very well. I owe you more than coin, then. Come, and let us see what the chapel has taken from you.
Quest Complete
Carry Lord Vane's sealed note to the Black Chapel
Skill Upgrade: Ranged Weapons Mediocre