Dagg carries the copied land entry and family papers from Saint Orra’s archive. Mara stays close beneath her shawl, and her hand briefly rests on his arm as they descend the chapel steps.
Mara Vell
You have that careful look again. Help me make a plan, Dagg. I would rather face this plainly than let the farm slip away through some forgotten line of ink.
Dagg Nabbitt
We should head back to your farm and work out what can be secured first. If someone learns the land has no recorded grant, they could purchase it and claim the fields and animals as theirs.
Peppers waits beside the mounting stone while your border collie circles her hooves, eager to follow. Mara gathers her cloak, and Dagg keeps the papers dry beneath his coat.
Mara Vell
Then we begin with the farm itself. My mother’s receipts, the boundary stones, the tenants, the animals, and anyone who remembers how our family came to hold the fields.
They start back along the wooded road, Mara riding Peppers and Dagg walking beside her. Your border collie pads close at his heel, while the copied entry presses against his side like an inconvenient summons.
Mara Vell
When we reach Vellstead, where should we begin? The papers, the neighbors, or the boundary itself?
“I think we should round up all of your animals first. Lets take them to My Ranch. Oh, yea, by the way, I am also a Rancher and own my own land. This will ensure that they are safe. While we pack them up we will prove that the sword is yours and keep that safe as well.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +0)
Dagg Nabbitt
We should round up all your animals first and take them to my ranch, where they will be safe. While we pack them, we can secure the sword claim and keep the blade protected.
Mara Vell
Your ranch can shelter them? Then yes. I will gather every animal, and we will carry the family papers with us.
At Vellstead, Mara opens the sheds and calls the animals from their pens. Dagg’s usual wish to leave the work for later slows his hands, but his care for their safety keeps him moving from gate to gate.
The animals are gathered without panic: feed sacks, harness, and water barrels are loaded for the road. Mara secures the family papers and her mother’s message inside the leather case.
Mara Vell
The sword itself remains with Thren, under the crown’s record. With this register, my mother’s message, and the family papers together, no one can quietly replace our claim.
By afternoon, Mara’s animals are ready for the journey to Nabbitt Farms. Dagg carries the sealed papers, while Mara locks the empty sheds and takes one last look over the fields.
Mara Vell
Let us go, Dagg. My animals will be safe at your ranch, and I will face the land question with the sword’s rightful history already secured.
The animals file onto the road under Dagg’s watch, bound for Nabbitt Farms. Mara rides beside them, carrying the leather case and the certainty that her family’s sword claim is preserved.
“{They arrive at Nabbit Farms} {Dagg runs inside and grabs a fancy looking dress paired with armor that he gifts to Mara} Here take this, if we meet some unsavory folk, this will protect you. {The dress is enchanted with magic that helps the wearer naturally dodge attacks}”
SUCCESS (Superb Reasoning, rolled +0)
Nabbitt Farms comes into view beyond the fields. Dagg hurries inside, though his usual reluctance toward chores slows him at the wardrobe before his protective purpose steadies his hands.
He retrieves a fine dark-green dress layered with fitted leather armor, its stitching marked by subtle old enchantment. His careful eye recognizes how the garment guides its wearer into natural evasions.
Dagg Nabbitt
Here, take this. If we meet some unsavory folk, this will protect you.
Dagg brings the dress and armor outside, checking every clasp and seam beneath the watchful yard and gathered animals. The armor is sound, while the enchanted cloth shifts lightly with each movement.
Mara Vell
You kept this here for emergencies? It is finer than anything I own, Dagg. I will wear it, and I will not mistake protection for permission to take foolish risks.
Mara accepts the gift and fits the armor over her clothes. The dress settles around it without restricting her stride, and its enchantment answers her balance with a quiet, almost instinctive ease.
Mara Vell
It feels as though the cloth knows where I am going before I move. Thank you. I am ready to help secure the farm and keep the animals safe.