The cheer rolls through Elbee’s tavern as Tarna stands over Varessa’s bound, unconscious form. Outside, Devia’s watch receives word of the twenty cultists beneath the kiln and prepares their lawful collection.
Elbee
No mob justice here. Varessa faces the magistrate, the scrolls enter the complaint record, and every captive is questioned separately.
Elbee orders the tables reset around the prisoner and has the chained scrolls placed beneath his watch. The townspeople remain standing, their fear giving way to wary respect.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
I will answer every question beside the families we protected. Let the record show that Devia stood together, and that a giant stood with it.
Townspeople
Tarna! Protector of Devia!
The chant rises again, no longer startled or uncertain. Tarna lowers her shield, accepting the welcome, while Varessa remains unconscious under guard and the evidence waits for formal judgment.
Beyond the tavern windows, evening settles over Devia. With the immediate danger contained and lawful proceedings begun, the road toward Nabbitt Farms, or toward another trail of the Lich Queen, lies open before Dagg.
“{Elby offers a room in his Inn free of charge for Tarna. Dagg takes her to her room and thanks her for her help.} You know, you really were quite impressive. It has been awhile since I have been in awe of someone {Dagg tells Tarna about Mara, and how he cared for her, and the loss of his child when she died}”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Elbee
Tarna, you have a room upstairs for as long as Devia needs you. No charge. A protector deserves a door that opens gladly.
Elbee leads them through the tavern’s warm upper hall. Tarna ducks beneath the lintel, then sets her shield beside the bed and looks around with quiet surprise.
Dagg Nabbitt
You really were quite impressive. It has been awhile since I have been in awe of someone. Thank you for standing with Devia’s families.
Dagg Nabbitt
I cared deeply for Mara Vell. We were building a life together, and we had lost our child when she was killed. I still carry that loss, but what we made for others matters.
Tarna listens without interrupting, her great hands resting on the shield rim. When Dagg finishes, the room’s silence feels respectful rather than empty, and her expression softens.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
Then Mara’s courage has not ended. It stands in every family you protect, and tonight it stands here with me. Rest, Dagg. I will remain beside this city.
Below, Elbee’s tavern settles into gentle conversation while Devia’s watch begins the lawful work at the kiln. Upstairs, Tarna’s room becomes a small, certain part of the city’s safer future.
Evening gathered softly around Elby’s Tavern, while the kiln beyond held its guarded silence.
Tarna Óhagganlegur
Mara’s courage will not be forgotten. I’ll stand with Devia, and with the families she protected.
Dagg Nabbitt
She’d have wanted that. I’m glad you’re here, Tarna.
Upstairs, Tarna set her shield beside the bed Elbee had given her. Below, cups and quiet voices filled the tavern, while Varessa Flint awaited lawful judgment under guard.
The danger had ended without another life surrendered to anger, and Devia could begin the long work of healing. Dagg carried Mara and their lost child with him, but not alone: Tarna’s vow and the town’s hard-won peace stood beside his grief. Beyond the lamplit tavern, the road waited in silence, while justice took its proper course.