Above the forge, the loft settles into darkness and the last heat of the coals rises through the floorboards. Dagg and Mara lie together beneath a shared blanket, while the dwarf smith keeps the sealed records and sword below.
Mara Vell
Thank you for standing beside me through all of this, Dagg. I could not have carried the papers, the questions, and the waiting alone.
Mara turns toward him, her voice quieter as the forge below gives a final muted crackle. Outside, the road remains still, with no messenger yet bearing word from the king.
Mara Vell
Sometimes I wonder whether Vellstead is worth these hassles. Letters gust in as if summoned, strangers bring fresh complications, and every answer opens another question. Perhaps I should sell it and be done.
She rests one hand over the folded edge of her mother’s papers, then lets it fall. The uncertainty remains between them, gentler than fear but heavier than sleep.
Dagg Nabbitt
I could buy the land myself, but she does not know that offer yet.
Mara Vell
Will you stay until King Gandien arrives with the official witnesses? I want one honest hearing before I decide what this place is worth to me.
“{Dagg looks at Mara intently} There may be other options that we just havent explored. I do own the largest Ranch in all the surrounding counties. {Dagg waits to see if Mara comes up with any plans to this information he tells her}”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +1)
Dagg Nabbitt
There may be other options we have not explored. I own the largest ranch in all the surrounding counties.
Dagg looks at Mara intently, then lets the silence remain rather than rushing toward another document or demand. His settled life on the ranch makes him hesitate over fresh work, but his careful questions keep the conversation focused.
Mara Vell
You mean I would not have to sell Vellstead simply because the hearing becomes difficult?
Mara studies his face, then the folded family papers. Dagg waits for her plans instead of supplying them, asking what alternatives she would consider if the crown confirms her claim but the farm remains burdensome.
Mara Vell
He is offering more than shelter. He is reminding me that a lawful choice can include keeping the farm, sharing its work, or deciding later.
Mara Vell
Then I could keep Vellstead without carrying it alone. I might place its accounts under your oversight, hire help for the fields, and decide about selling only after the hearing.
The possibility steadies Mara. She gathers the papers without the earlier heaviness, and the night grows quieter as her choice expands beyond surrendering the land or facing it unsupported.
“{Both take off their clothes for bed, Mara in slightly better spirits now} Is there anything else I can do to help you?”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled -1)
Dagg Nabbitt
Is there anything else I can do to help you?
Dagg and Mara undress for bed and settle beneath the shared blanket. He keeps his voice gentle, then asks what part of Vellstead weighs most heavily on her, giving her room to answer rather than guessing.
For a moment, Dagg’s attention drifts toward the quiet ranch he would rather be tending, and Mara notices the hesitation before he gathers himself. The cost leaves his composure briefly exposed.
Mara Vell
You already gave me a place to stand. But if you mean it, stay beside me while I learn whether keeping Vellstead is truly my choice.
Dagg listens without interrupting, asking whether she wants help with accounts, hired field hands, or the hearing itself. Each question makes the choices more definite and less lonely.
Mara Vell
Then help me prepare, not decide for me. If the crown confirms my claim, I want to meet that future with you beside me.
Mara’s breathing eases, and she rests her hand over his. The question has given her a practical path and the reassurance she sought, though Dagg remains quietly worn by holding his composure together.
“{Months go by as the claim evidence grows stronger. Gandien has arrived with a royal group of guards and nobles to help back Mara's claim and provide witness statements to the evidence presented. Gandien tells Dagg about a very wealthy noble who has offered 500,000 gold for Mara's land. If the nobles do not find her as a rightful owner, his offer will be hard to beat. Mara tells dagg in private that she thinks she is pregnant with his heir.}”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +3)
Months pass as Mara’s witnesses, parish records, and preserved custody papers gather into a strong case. King Gandien arrives at last with royal guards and nobles prepared to hear every statement.
King Gandien
The evidence now favors Mara clearly. But a very wealthy noble has offered five hundred thousand gold for Vellstead. If the claim fails, that offer will be difficult to surpass.
Dagg’s preference for his quiet ranch makes the long hearing tempting to shorten, yet he remains beneath the royal scrutiny. He checks each witness against the records and keeps the questioning orderly.
Mara Vell
Dagg, I need to tell you privately. I believe I am carrying your child, your heir.
The royal witnesses give their statements, confirming the family line, the sword’s custody, and the absence of any lawful transfer from Vellstead. Dagg’s steady attention catches each contradiction before it can spread.
King Gandien
The claim is proven. Mara Vell is the rightful owner of Vellstead, and no private offer can displace that judgment. I will place the ruling under royal protection.
The nobles sign their witness statements, and the guards seal the judgment for the crown’s archives. Mara keeps her land, while the royal record also gives her time to decide how she will manage it and prepare for the child.
“I would ask that the seal of the king is added to all of these documents as everyone is here as witnesses. Showing that Mara is the rightful owner of Vellstead. {after Dagg says this he takes Mara into a side room to discuss her possible pregnancy. Mara chnages her clothes to the armor infused dress that Dagg gave her months ago as added protection and continues to wear it from here on out} {Dagg looks at Mara with joy in his face} Are you really sure you are with child?”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled -1)
Dagg Nabbitt
I ask that the king’s seal be added to every document while all witnesses are present, confirming Mara as Vellstead’s rightful owner.
Mara brings forward the family papers and the preserved custody records. Dagg secures each sheet in order, while the royal witnesses gather close enough to attest to every seal and signature.
King Gandien
Let the royal seal stand upon the judgment and its supporting records. These documents shall enter the crown archive together, witnessed and protected as one lawful record.
King Gandien presses hot wax beneath his signet, and the Royal Witnesses add their attestations. Dagg checks every page, seal, and attachment before fastening the complete file together.
In a side room, Mara changes into the dark-green dress reinforced with leather armor, then returns wearing it as her protection. Dagg looks at her with open joy.
Dagg Nabbitt
Are you really sure you are with child?
Mara Vell
I am sure enough to seek a midwife’s confirmation. I have missed my courses, and the signs have continued. I wanted you to hear it from me first.
Dagg’s composure falters for one visible breath before he steadies it. Mara notices, but his careful protection of the sealed records and his joyful gaze leave no doubt that he stands with her.
Quest Complete
Establish the sword’s rightful ownership
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Superb→Legendary
New gift: Establishes Provenance