The grave markers abruptly fall silent. In their place, a harp melody drifts between the tombs, an old refrain once played beneath the Orlaith roof.
Beyond the tombs, Astraya Orlaith, a slim young celestial woman, steps from the darkness in travel-worn revealing leathers. Her golden hair is wind-tossed, white wings folded behind her, and luminous cyan eyes remain fixed on Dyanara and the burning sigils.
Astraya Orlaith
I followed rumors of a succession rite beneath the moon. I expected solemnity, not House Orlaith’s dead crest blazing over graves.
The cloaked wizard stays beside the pale relic, hood turned toward Astraya. Above them, the crown and falcon continue burning, though their light now flickers with each harp note.
Astraya Orlaith
Do not look at me as though I wandered here by chance, sister. I know what became of our home, and I know the ruin had a beginning.
Astraya Orlaith
The artifact was never lost. Someone carried it away from the ashes, and every rumor I chased led back to the name our family buried.
The melody falters on a mournful chord. The relic’s pale fire bends toward Astraya, while ancient names fade across the nearest stones and new letters kindle beneath them.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn who carried away the artifact
✓ Quest Accepted
Hear Astraya’s account of House Orlaith’s ruin
“*I meet eyes with her. After having buried the body’s of my family friends and people by myself. I was exhausted but happy to see her after all these years. I go to her and embrace my sister. Our reunion well over due.”
Dyanara meets Astraya’s luminous gaze across the graveyard. Exhaustion weighs upon her after burying their family, friends, and people, yet her sister’s presence draws her forward.
She crosses the space between them and embraces Astraya, armor and travel-worn leathers meeting beneath the wavering crown of celestial fire.
Astraya Orlaith
Dyanara.
Astraya folds her white wings close and returns the embrace. Her harp falls silent against her side as she holds her twin with fierce, overdue tenderness.
Astraya Orlaith
I thought I would find you surrounded by walls again, not standing among the graves and carrying the whole house alone.
The pale relic’s fire steadies above their shoulders. For one quiet moment, the graveyard’s omens recede, leaving only two sisters reunited beneath the moon.
the cloaked wizard
Let the heavens witness this reunion as well. House Orlaith has not been extinguished while its blood still answers the night.
“When did you get here and why are you here? Did word reach you about out home?”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Dyanara Orlaith
When did you get here, and why? Did word reach you about our home?
Astraya’s luminous gaze softens. Behind her, the folded white wings shift as the graveyard wind carries harp strings through the silver grass.
Astraya Orlaith
I arrived before moonrise, following the trail of the relic and the succession rumors. I came because both paths led here, to you.
Astraya Orlaith
Word did reach me, though never plainly. Merchants spoke of ash where our halls stood, and survivors whispered that House Orlaith had turned upon itself.
The pale relic pulses between the sisters, answering her words. Its cold fire casts the broken crest across Astraya’s face and the ancient stones.
Astraya Orlaith
I chased those whispers across three borders. By the time I learned the truth, our home was already a grave, and the artifact had vanished.
Astraya Orlaith
I should have come sooner. But I am here now, Dyanara, and I will not let the one who carried it away disappear into legend.
Quest Complete
Hear Astraya’s account of House Orlaith’s ruin