The negotiation pauses beneath the arcade as a young half-elf approaches from the terrace. A knightly insignia hangs at her throat, but a hood keeps half her face concealed.
Sanora
Prince Jericho. I know a safer route toward Trent, one that avoids the worst of the exposed roads. I would trade that knowledge for a place beneath your banner.
Her rose-pink hair slips forward as she stops beyond arm's reach. The insignia bears the mark of a reputable knightly family, though no household escort accompanies her.
Sanora
Your terms promise ranks and titles for distinction. Do those promises extend to someone without a public patron?
Rin
A knightly heir hiding her face, carrying a family mark into a public negotiation. This is not merely an offer of directions, Jericho.
Emily
Her stance is balanced, and she watches the exits before the speakers. If she seeks service, she has at least learned the first discipline of a guard.
Emily's assessment draws Sanora's sharp blue gaze, while the nearby scribes quietly stop writing. The sealed agreements, the road to Trent, and the promise of advancement now await Jericho's answer.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure a safer route to Trent
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure Sanora's allegiance
Director's note
compared to a guard, a knight is someone with a title and a prince is more limited in how many they can have in their service. A knight can be anywhere from a captain over a unit of guards or even commander of all the other knights.
“"I am always looking for young talent to fill my retinue with, yet I am not too familiar with you and you enter under mysterious circumstances." I pause in contemplation as I try to decide on the best course of action. "Here is what I propose, in exchange for the information you have I will declare you as a knight under my service."”
SUCCESS (Superb Persuasion, rolled -1)
Jericho Font Helmsworth
I am always seeking young talent for my retinue, but I know little of you, and your arrival carries unanswered questions. In exchange for your route information, I will declare you a knight under my service.
Jericho pauses beneath the arcade, his purple-lit veins faint beneath his silk sleeves. The nearby scribes lift their quills, recognizing that he offers a scarce princely appointment, not a common guard's wage.
Sanora
You offer a title before knowing whether I deserve it. That is either reckless or unusually confident, Prince Jericho. I accept, provided the oath is witnessed and recorded.
Sanora
The safer route begins north of Flores, following the old pilgrim road to the ashwood ford. From there, take the ridge east, not the river road. The exposed road is watched by bandits.
A scribe records Sanora's route beside the supply agreements, while another drafts the declaration of knighthood. Her information is now secured under Jericho's banner and can guide the expedition toward Trent.
Emily
A knight at your side carries authority beyond a recruit's spear. If she proves as capable as her warning suggests, the appointment strengthens both the road and your command.
Rin
And every watching house has heard the message: hidden lineage is not required to earn a place beneath your banner, but usefulness must be proven before witnesses.
Quest Complete
Secure Sanora's allegiance
Quest Complete
Secure a safer route to Trent