The celestial crown and falcon fade, leaving Maerith’s restored name glowing upon the split grave marker. Moonlight settles over the sisters and the silent relic.
Astraya Orlaith
You knew more than you told me, Dyanara. Perhaps not every detail, but enough to keep the artifact, the diary, and our family’s ruin behind your silence.
Astraya removes her harp and rests it carefully against a stone. Her luminous eyes remain gentle, though old hurt tightens her voice.
Caspien Ashveil
I will wait beyond the eastern markers. Whatever passes between House Orlaith’s surviving heirs should not become another matter for a stranger’s record.
Caspien withdraws among the graves, carrying the opened charter but leaving the sisters within sight. The cloaked wizard remains beside the pale relic, watchful and still.
Astraya Orlaith
I remember the house as a gilded cage. You remember its duties, its blood, and every name buried beneath it. Tell me what you chose to bear alone.
Astraya Orlaith
Then we decide together what we are willing to risk. I will follow the artifact’s trail, but I will not let vengeance turn us into another secret waiting to burn.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reveal to Astraya what Dyanara concealed
“Thank you Lord Ashveil. Ashtrya.. I.. *I sigh* whatever this curse it.. I’m afraid it is mine to bare. Out of all these years with no celestial births in our family.. I am the first one born with the mark of the fallen. If you wish to come with me I won’t stop you. But the burden is mine alone.”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Dyanara Orlaith
Thank you, Lord Ashveil. Astraya, I am afraid this curse is mine to bear. After all these years without a celestial birth, I alone carry the mark of the fallen.
Dyanara Orlaith
If you wish to come with me, I will not stop you. But this burden is mine alone.
The words settle heavily among the graves. At Dyanara’s admission, the pale relic contracts with a sharp hiss, its cold radiance dwindling to a faint ember.
Astraya Orlaith
You mistake solitude for responsibility, sister. The mark may be yours, but the truth belongs to both of us.
Astraya retrieves her harp and steps to Dyanara’s side. Her white wings open briefly, catching the moonlight, then fold close as she faces the dark beyond the markers.
Astraya Orlaith
I am coming with you. Not because I doubt your strength, but because I refuse to let our family’s last secret claim you alone.
Caspien Ashveil
Then House Ashveil will remember this night clearly. I will guard the charter and follow when your path leads toward the artifact.
Quest Complete
Reveal to Astraya what Dyanara concealed